Tottenham are now ‘increasingly confident’ that they can convince the new Declan Rice to join them

As the summer transfer window approaches, Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for what could be one of their most transformative offseasons in recent memory. Regardless of Ange Postecoglou’s uncertain future—which likely hinges on their Europa League fate—the North London club recognize the urgent need to strengthen multiple positions to compete at the highest level.

Among their primary targets is Eintracht Frankfurt’s rising star Hugo Larsson, a player who has captured the attention of Europe’s elite with his mature performances in the Bundesliga.

Tottenham’s interest in Larsson intensified during their recent Europa League quarter-final clash against Frankfurt, where scouts had the perfect opportunity to assess the 20-year-old Swede over 180 minutes of high-stakes football. Larsson, who joined Frankfurt from Malmö FF in 2023, has quickly established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most promising midfield talents.

His blend of physicality, technical ability, and tactical intelligence has drawn comparisons to some of the Premier League’s finest midfielders, including Manchester City’s Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne.

What makes Larsson particularly appealing is his versatility. Capable of operating as a deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box engine, or even an advanced creator, he embodies the modern midfielder.

His self-assessment as a player similar to Arsenal’s Declan Rice—citing their shared defensive aggression and progressive ball-carrying—only reinforces his suitability for the Premier League’s demands.

According to reports, Tottenham are growing increasingly confident about their chances of securing Larsson’s signature, though the deal won’t come cheap. Frankfurt, aware of his skyrocketing value, have set a £52 million price tag—a figure that reflects both his current ability and enormous potential.

For Daniel Levy, this represents a significant investment, but one that could pay dividends given Larsson’s age and ceiling.

Winning the Europa League could prove pivotal in convincing Larsson to choose Tottenham over other potential suitors. Silverware would not only bolster Spurs’ appeal but also demonstrate their ambition to compete at the highest level.

However, even without a trophy, the project under Postecoglou—or his potential successor—could be enticing enough, especially with the promise of regular minutes in a competitive side.

While Larsson is a priority, Tottenham’s recruitment strategy extends far beyond the Swedish international. The club have been linked with reinforcements across the pitch, including:

• Defensive Reinforcements: A commanding center-back to partner Cristian Romero and a dynamic full-back to provide competition for Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro.
• Attacking Firepower: A versatile forward capable of easing the burden on Son Heung-min and Richarlison, particularly with European football likely next season.
• Midfield Depth: Additional options to complement (or potentially replace) underperformers like Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Yves Bissouma.

The potential arrival of Larsson would address a critical need for youthful energy and technical quality in midfield, an area where Spurs have occasionally looked one-dimensional this season.

His ability to break lines with his passing, coupled with his defensive work rate, makes him an ideal candidate to thrive in Postecoglou’s system—or any system a new manager might implement.

Signing Larsson would send a clear message about Tottenham’s ambition. At 20, he represents both immediate quality and long-term potential, aligning perfectly with the club’s strategy of building a squad capable of sustained success. His arrival could also help attract other high-caliber players, creating a ripple effect in the transfer market.

For now, all eyes remain on Spurs’ Europa League campaign and Postecoglou’s future. But one thing is certain: whether it’s Larsson or other targets, Tottenham are poised for a summer of significant investment as they aim to bridge the gap to the Premier League’s elite.

The stage is set for a thrilling transfer window in North London—and Hugo Larsson might just be the first domino to fall.