Report: Tottenham start negotiations for “top” player at £50m, Levy’s personally held talks
As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for Thomas Frank’s inaugural season at the helm, chairman Daniel Levy is orchestrating an ambitious transfer strategy that blends promising youth with established Premier League talent.
The North London club has already made significant moves in the market, signaling their intent to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
The early signings of Mathys Tel for £30 million and Japanese defender Kota Takai for a J-League record £5 million demonstrate Tottenham’s dual approach – investing in both proven quality and emerging talent.
Takai, in particular, represents an intriguing prospect, with Spurs hoping the 20-year-old Kawasaki Frontale star can follow in the footsteps of Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr as young players who have successfully transitioned into first-team regulars.
| Tottenham’s Top Performers 2024/25 (WhoScored Ratings) | |
|———————————————————–|-|
| Son Heung-min | 7.00 |
| James Maddison | 6.98 |
| Pedro Porro | 6.95 |
| Dominic Solanke | 6.84 |
| Dejan Kulusevski | 6.83 |
This measured approach to squad building comes as Tottenham look to maintain their core of consistent performers while adding game-changing talent. The potential acquisition of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham would represent a major statement, with Levy personally engaging in negotiations with Hammers chairman David Sullivan.
Tottenham’s pursuit of the Ghanaian winger has intensified in recent days, with the club initiating talks at the £50 million mark. While West Ham currently consider this valuation unacceptable, several factors could force their hand:
- Kudus’ expressed desire for a new challenge
- West Ham’s need for transfer funds to reshape their own squad
- The player’s slightly diminished output last season (compared to his spectacular debut campaign)
Teammate Aaron Cresswell’s glowing endorsement highlights exactly why Spurs are so keen: “You just can’t get near him. He’s so strong, so quick, so sharp.” This combination of physical attributes and technical ability makes Kudus an ideal fit for Frank’s likely tactical system, which emphasizes quick transitions and attacking versatility.
Balancing Present Needs with Future Planning
Tottenham’s transfer strategy reveals a careful balancing act between immediate first-team reinforcements and long-term planning:
Immediate Impact Targets
- Mohammed Kudus (West Ham)
- Established Premier League quality
Development Projects
- Kota Takai (Kawasaki Frontale)
- Mathys Tel (Bayern Munich)
- High-potential young talents
This dual-track approach allows Spurs to remain competitive in the short term while building a sustainable pipeline of talent. The acquisition of Takai, in particular, demonstrates the club’s commitment to identifying value in less-scouted markets, following their previous success with Asian imports like Son Heung-min.
As Thomas Frank prepares to take charge, these signings will be crucial in implementing his preferred style of play. The Danish manager is known for:
- High-intensity pressing
- Fluid attacking movements
- Tactical flexibility
The potential addition of Kudus would provide Frank with a versatile weapon capable of playing across the front line or in advanced midfield roles. Meanwhile, Takai’s development could follow a similar trajectory to Udogie’s, with an initial adaptation period before challenging for a starting berth.
Levy’s negotiation strategy appears calculated and disciplined:
- Early movement for priority targets to avoid bidding wars
- Willingness to invest in youth with high resale potential
- Pursuit of established stars only when value aligns
This approach has already borne fruit with the Tel signing, and could pay dividends again if they can strike a compromise with West Ham for Kudus. The reported £50 million opening bid represents a strong starting point, with the final figure likely to land between £55-60 million including achievable add-ons.
What Comes Next for Spurs?
As pre-season approaches, Tottenham’s transfer business appears far from complete. Additional areas likely to be addressed include:
- Central defensive cover
- Midfield depth
- Potential attacking reinforcements
The coming weeks will prove crucial in determining whether Levy and Frank can execute their ambitious vision for the new season. With several irons in the fire and a clear strategic direction, Spurs fans have reason for cautious optimism as the club looks to build on last season’s progress.
One thing is certain – Tottenham are approaching this transfer window with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear plan to bridge the gap to the Premier League’s elite. The potential additions of Kudus and continued development of talents like Takai could provide the perfect foundation for Frank’s new era in N17.