A former Tottenham Hotspur official has suggested that Thomas Frank is likely to face disappointment when the January transfer window opens, despite the growing belief that the club is preparing for a bold winter overhaul.
Over recent months, plenty has been made of Tottenham’s supposed ambition and the financial backing available after ENIC injected £100 million of fresh equity into the club.
Many supporters assumed that this significant investment would give Frank the freedom to reshape the squad in his own image. But according to someone who knows the club well from the inside, that expectation may be far from reality.
Mick Brown, who previously worked as a scout for Spurs, has revealed that Frank is eager to see major changes made to his team once the window opens. He believes the new manager feels certain areas of the squad are not strong enough to match the club’s long-term ambitions.
With Frank still settling into life at Tottenham and trying to implement his ideas, it is understandable that he would want players better suited to his style. However, Brown has raised doubts about whether the club is willing to give him the resources needed for that kind of significant overhaul.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown explained that Frank sees clear weaknesses in several positions and wants upgrades that reflect where he wants Tottenham to be heading in the coming years. But he added that the club are unlikely to green-light widespread spending.
According to him, Spurs will look to make additions only in the most necessary positions rather than granting Frank the freedom to make sweeping changes across the pitch.
Brown also hinted that the hesitation from the board stems from lingering doubts about Frank’s tactical approach, which has been described as more defensive and pragmatic compared to some of his predecessors.
He explained that with any new manager, it is natural for them to want players who fit the style of football they want to introduce. Frank is no different, pushing for reinforcements who can execute his plans with greater consistency and clarity.
But Brown warned that Frank may find himself “swimming against the tide” because the hierarchy are not planning to spend heavily, at least not yet. Spurs are expected to address certain key roles, but anyone expecting a flurry of deals or major restructuring may be left disappointed.
He added that Frank’s desire to bring in players who match his system may also be a sticking point for the decision-makers, who are reportedly unsure about how well his preferred style aligns with the squad they have built.
Brown suggested that the club may prefer to wait and see how Frank’s ideas settle before investing heavily in players tailored specifically to him. That cautious approach means the manager’s hopes for multiple signings and several departures could take far longer to materialize than he would like.
Reports earlier this month mentioned that Frank had ideally wanted four positions strengthened in January. But even at the time, those expectations were described as unlikely.
The Telegraph later supported that view, saying Tottenham will focus on signing either a left-winger or a striker in January and will only target players who can immediately improve the starting XI. That suggests Tottenham intend to be selective, strategic, and measured, rather than aggressive and expansive.
The financial injection from ENIC raised excitement among fans, but the club’s stance indicates that the money will not be spent recklessly or simply handed to the manager for sweeping changes.
Instead, Spurs are expected to move carefully, making only the most essential additions during the winter window. Frank may still get one or two players he feels are vital, but the broader rebuild he desires appears likely to be postponed until the summer.
For now, it seems the January window will not be the dramatic turning point Frank hoped for. Instead, Tottenham’s business will reflect a conservative approach, with upgrades only where absolutely necessary and no guarantee of major backing for the manager’s long-term plan.
