Thomas Frank will be gutted about who Tottenham just sold in £17m deal, once said he could become ‘one of the best’

Tottenham Hotspur are on the brink of ushering in a new managerial era, with Thomas Frank poised to take the reins following the departure of Ange Postecoglou. The Danish coach, known for transforming Brentford into a resilient Premier League side, is close to sealing a move to North London.

Having initially joined Brentford as an assistant to Dean Smith in December 2016, Frank eventually took charge and guided the club to promotion in 2021.

Since their top-flight arrival, the Bees have remained remarkably stable, never seriously flirting with relegation—a testament to Frank’s tactical acumen and leadership.

What started as light-hearted banter among colleagues about one day managing Tottenham is now on the cusp of becoming a reality for Frank. Yet, even before officially signing on, the 51-year-old might already find himself frustrated with one of the club’s recent decisions.

Tottenham’s handling of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s exit to Marseille may not sit well with the incoming manager, especially given Frank’s high regard for his compatriot.

Back in July 2021, Frank spoke at length to The Telegraph about Højbjerg’s abilities, describing the midfielder as a player with world-class potential.

Having coached Højbjerg for three years in Denmark’s youth national teams, Frank had a front-row seat to his development and strongly believed in his long-term prospects.

He highlighted the midfielder’s excellent technical skill, his wide range of passing, his protective instincts with the ball, and his physical prowess. In Frank’s view, Højbjerg had all the qualities to evolve into one of the Premier League’s top holding midfielders.

Despite this glowing endorsement, Tottenham decided to part ways with the 29-year-old. Initially sent on loan to Marseille in July 2024, the deal included a £17 million purchase obligation, which was activated and finalized on May 31.

Had Frank arrived sooner, there’s every reason to believe he would have at least given Højbjerg a fresh chance to re-establish himself in the Spurs midfield. Unfortunately, that opportunity has now passed, with the midfielder settling into life in France just as a fellow Dane prepares to take over at his former club.

While the ship has sailed for Højbjerg, Thomas Frank will still inherit a squad that includes players he has openly admired in the past. Among them is Pedro Porro, the dynamic Spanish full-back who has become a key figure at Tottenham.

Frank once likened Porro’s offensive prowess to that of Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, calling him “fantastic” and praising his attacking output from the right-back position. Such a comparison underscores how highly Frank regards the 24-year-old, who seems well-positioned to play a vital role in the new manager’s tactical setup.

Another player who may thrive under Frank’s leadership is Richarlison. The Brazilian forward has received praise from Frank in the past, suggesting a mutual appreciation that could blossom into a fruitful working relationship.

Richarlison’s energy, pressing, and ability to disrupt defenses align well with the high-intensity football Frank deployed at Brentford. While the forward has endured patches of inconsistency since arriving in North London, the managerial change could provide the spark needed to reignite his form.

Frank’s arrival marks more than just a change in the dugout—it represents a cultural shift for Tottenham. Known for his detailed preparation, emotional intelligence, and ability to galvanize players, he brings a track record of extracting the best from both established stars and overlooked talents.

Though the loss of a player like Højbjerg might sting, particularly given their shared national ties and Frank’s previous admiration, the incoming boss will have ample opportunity to shape the squad in his image.

The future now hinges on how Frank integrates into the club’s broader ambitions and whether he can navigate the pressures that come with managing a club of Tottenham’s stature.

His experience building a competitive team on limited resources at Brentford could serve him well in North London, where balancing financial constraints with on-field expectations has long been a delicate task.

As he prepares to step into the spotlight at one of England’s most scrutinized clubs, Frank will likely draw on every bit of his experience and vision.

While the timing of certain departures may prove frustrating, the quality of the remaining squad and the possibility of new additions provide a solid foundation.

Tottenham fans, eager for consistency and progress, may find that in Thomas Frank they have a manager capable of delivering both.