Reports: Tottenham now hold talks to sign “extraordinary” teen star likened to Messi
As Thomas Frank begins his Tottenham Hotspur reign, the Danish manager is wasting no time reshaping his attacking options, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Copenhagen’s Roony Bardghji emerging as primary targets in what promises to be a transformative summer at N17.
The North London club’s dual-track approach—blending Premier League-proven quality with high-potential youngsters—signals Frank’s ambition to build both for immediate impact and long-term success.
Frank’s intimate knowledge of Mbeumo’s capabilities gives Tottenham a unique advantage in the race for the Brentford forward.
The Cameroonian international’s 20-goal Premier League campaign demonstrated his evolution into one of England’s most dangerous attackers, making him an ideal candidate to lead Spurs’ frontline in their Champions League return.
Why Mbeumo Fits Frank’s Tottenham Vision
- System Familiarity – Already understands Frank’s tactical demands
- Versatility – Can play across front three positions
- Prime Age – 25 years old with peak years ahead
- Proven Quality – 20G/8A in 2024/25 Premier League season
The Mirror’s John Cross summarizes the appeal perfectly: “Moving to Tottenham, with his old boss Thomas Frank, would propel him to another level into the Champions League.” However, Brentford’s anticipated £70m valuation and Manchester United’s competing interest complicate negotiations.
While Mbeumo represents the safe option, 19-year-old Swedish winger Roony Bardghji embodies Tottenham’s commitment to unearthing future stars.
Despite recovering from an ACL injury, the Kuwait-born prodigy’s potential has convinced Spurs to pursue a deal while his value remains depressed entering the final six months of his Copenhagen contract.
Roony Bardghji’s Emerging Profile
| Metric | Statistic | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 84 | Remarkable for teenager |
| Goals | 15 | Including Champions League strikes |
| Dribbles/90 | 3.1 | 78% success rate |
| Key Passes/90 | 1.8 | Creative upside |
| Market Value | £15-20m | Pre-injury valuation |
Former coach Fredrik Akesson’s description of Bardghji’s “extraordinary development” hints at why Tottenham have tracked him since 2023. His Messi-esque low center of gravity and explosive acceleration offer the X-factor that could electrify Spurs’ attack once fully fit.
Frank faces several critical decisions in shaping his new-look attack:
- Immediate vs Future Impact – Mbeumo guarantees goals now; Bardghji represents long-term potential
- Financial Allocation – £70m for Mbeumo could limit other signings
- Injury Management – Bardghji’s ACL recovery requires careful handling
- System Fit – Both players thrive in wide roles Frank favors
The potential addition of Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert as an alternative demonstrates Tottenham’s determination to add proven Premier League quality regardless of the Mbeumo outcome. The Dutchman’s 8 goals and 5 assists last season showed flashes of the talent that once made him Europe’s most coveted teenager.
The Bigger Picture
These attacking pursuits reveal Frank’s blueprint for Tottenham—combining the relentless pressing and direct wing play that brought Brentford success with added star quality befitting a Champions League side.
Mbeumo’s potential arrival would provide instant firepower, while Bardghji’s signing would continue Tottenham’s tradition of developing elite young attackers.
As negotiations progress, Tottenham’s hierarchy must balance ambition with pragmatism. Securing both targets would represent a statement of intent, but even one successful acquisition could transform their attacking options.
For Frank, the opportunity to reunite with Mbeumo while molding Bardghji into a future star may prove irresistible as he looks to make his mark in North London.
The coming weeks will test Tottenham’s resolve in the transfer market, but one thing is clear—Thomas Frank’s Tottenham will play with pace, power, and creativity out wide.
Whether through established stars or emerging talents, the Danish manager is determined to build an attack capable of thrilling fans and challenging England’s elite.