Thomas Frank wants speed demon at Tottenham next after first signing done

The Thomas Frank era at Tottenham Hotspur is taking shape with a clear emphasis on injecting pace and firepower into the squad. Fresh from securing Mathys Tel’s permanent signing from Bayern Munich for £29.8 million, Spurs are now setting their sights on Brentford’s electrifying forward Yoane Wissa as they look to address last season’s goalscoring woes.

Frank’s arrival in North London has sparked inevitable links to his former Brentford charges, with Wissa emerging as a prime target after his 25-goal involvement season (20 goals, 5 assists) for the Bees.

The DR Congo international’s explosive speed and clinical finishing would offer Tottenham a different dimension in attack, providing competition for Dominic Solanke who endured an injury-disrupted debut campaign following his club-record move.

At 28 years old and with two years remaining on his Brentford contract, Wissa could command a £40 million fee – a potential sticking point for chairman Daniel Levy given the player’s age and contract situation.

The pursuit of Wissa follows Tottenham’s acquisition of Tel, a move that surprised many observers given the young Frenchman’s modest output during his loan spell (3 goals, 1 assist in 20 appearances).

However, the six-year contract until 2031 suggests Frank sees untapped potential in the 20-year-old, who had attracted interest from Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa before committing to Spurs.

Strategic Overhaul Underway

Tottenham’s attacking rebuild comes after a season where injuries ravaged their squad, contributing to their worst-ever Premier League finish despite Ange Postecoglou delivering the club’s first trophy in 17 years and Champions League qualification.

Frank has been promised significant funds to reshape the team, with the permanent signing of center-back Kevin Danso and Tel’s arrival representing the first steps in this process.

The Danish manager’s apparent preference for familiar faces has also fueled speculation about potential moves for Bryan Mbeumo and Mikkel Damsgaard, both of whom thrived under his management at Brentford.

Wissa’s potential acquisition would follow this pattern, with Frank having previously described the striker as an “exceptional” talent during their time together in West London.

Balancing Short-Term Needs with Long-Term Planning

While Wissa’s proven Premier League pedigree makes him an attractive option, questions remain about whether he represents value at £40 million for a player who turns 29 later this year. His age profile contrasts sharply with Tel’s, highlighting Tottenham’s attempt to balance immediate needs with long-term planning.

Solanke’s position as first-choice striker appears safe for now, but the England international will need to improve on last season’s nine-goal Premier League return if he’s to fend off competition.

Wissa’s superior output last campaign (11 Premier League goals compared to Solanke’s nine, despite playing fewer minutes) suggests he could push the former Bournemouth man hard for the starting spot.

Tactical Flexibility

Frank’s interest in Wissa hints at his tactical vision for Tottenham. The Congolese forward’s ability to play across the front line – though primarily used as a central striker last season – would give Spurs greater flexibility in attack.

His pace in behind defenses could prove particularly valuable in Champions League matches where Tottenham may need to play more on the counter-attack.

The potential addition of Wissa alongside Tel creates an intriguing blend of youth and experience in Tottenham’s attacking options. While Tel represents a long-term project with his raw potential, Wissa would offer a more polished, immediate solution – a dual-track approach that could serve Spurs well across multiple competitions.

Tottenham’s spending power will be tested as they attempt to strengthen multiple areas of the squad. The £40 million outlay required for Wissa would represent a significant portion of their summer budget, potentially limiting their ability to address other needs such as central midfield or full-back positions.

However, with Champions League football returning to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the club’s hierarchy recognizes the need for greater squad depth and quality.

Wissa’s Premier League experience and familiarity with Frank’s methods could make him a lower-risk signing compared to alternatives from foreign leagues.

As pre-season preparations begin, Tottenham fans will be watching closely to see how Frank shapes his squad. The pursuit of Wissa suggests the new manager wants to implement his style quickly, blending familiar faces from his Brentford days with the existing talent at his disposal.

Whether this approach can deliver the consistency Tottenham lacked last season remains to be seen, but the early signs point to an ambitious rebuild underway in North London.