Levy has settled on £8m manager to replace Postecoglou, Tottenham talks advancing – report

Tottenham Hotspur have officially begun their search for a new manager following the departure of Ange Postecoglou, putting an end to months of speculation surrounding his future at the club.

The announcement came abruptly, sending shockwaves through the fanbase and drawing sharp criticism from both supporters and pundits alike. Chairman Daniel Levy has found himself in the eye of the storm, accused of making a decision that many view as both premature and damaging to the club’s progress.

Postecoglou’s exit, coming just over two weeks after he led Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years and secured Champions League qualification, has baffled many.

Despite mixed league form, he delivered on key season objectives. Yet, instead of being celebrated, he now finds himself out of a job, a move that has left the dressing room stunned.

Reports from The Telegraph indicate that several players were furious over the decision, feeling that Postecoglou had brought stability and vision to a team in need of both.

Key figures in the squad have not hesitated to express their disappointment publicly. Captain Son Heung-min labeled Postecoglou a “Spurs legend” in an emotional farewell on Instagram.

Others, including Pedro Porro, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and Archie Gray, have all shown their support for the Australian coach in recent weeks. The atmosphere inside the club reflected growing unity under Postecoglou’s leadership, making his dismissal all the more puzzling.

Sky Sports journalist Sam Blitz highlighted the irrationality of the move, noting that although Postecoglou faced criticism for Spurs’ inconsistency in league performances, he still achieved his targets.

Blitz pointed out that the manager was even beginning to evolve beyond his initial tactical rigidity—adapting his approach when necessary.

That kind of tactical maturity, rarely acknowledged in modern football, suggests a coach on the rise, not one deserving of the sack.

The club’s top performers last season further underline how Postecoglou brought out the best in many of his players. Here’s a look at the highest-rated regulars from Tottenham’s 2024/2025 Premier League campaign, based on average match ratings:

These performances speak volumes about the cohesion and improvement under Postecoglou’s tenure. The criticism levied against Levy stems from a belief that the club, instead of building on this foundation, has taken a step backward.

There’s a growing sentiment that Spurs have pressed the reset button just as things were beginning to click.

Now, Tottenham must face the consequences of this high-stakes decision. The managerial carousel spins once more, and it appears that Brentford’s Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to take over.

According to reports, talks with Frank are advancing, and he has emerged as the preferred option to guide Spurs through their Champions League campaign next season.

Frank, a tactically astute and widely respected coach, has worked wonders on a limited budget at Brentford. His ability to maintain competitive standards without major financial backing has reportedly caught Levy’s attention.

However, critics point out that Frank lacks experience at the highest levels of European football and has yet to secure any silverware.

Appointing him would be a gamble—one that reflects Levy’s preference for managers who operate within strict financial frameworks rather than proven winners with expensive demands.

Furthermore, Frank’s contract situation at Brentford adds complexity to any potential move. To bring him to North London, Spurs would need to pay approximately £8 million to trigger his release clause.

While this figure is modest compared to top-tier managerial fees, it’s a financial commitment that still underscores Levy’s willingness to spend—albeit selectively.

For Spurs fans, the uncertainty is becoming all too familiar. They’ve seen managers come and go under Levy’s leadership, often with promising starts that end abruptly.

The challenge now is to bring in a coach who can not only continue the momentum Postecoglou began but also manage the immense expectations that come with competing in Europe and challenging domestically.

Levy’s decision may have been made, but the fallout is still unfolding. The next appointment will need to be more than just a tactical fit—it must also repair morale, inspire belief, and offer a clear path forward.

Tottenham’s ambition remains unquestioned, but without stability and clear direction, it risks becoming a club known more for managerial turnover than silverware success.

The Postecoglou era may be over, but its abrupt ending has left behind questions that only time—and the next manager—can hope to answer.