Development: Tottenham enter race to seal “league best” defender wons 194 duels in 2024/25
Fresh from their Europa League triumph, Tottenham Hotspur are wasting no time strengthening their squad under new manager Thomas Frank, with a clear strategy emerging of targeting proven Premier League performers who understand the Danish coach’s philosophy.
The recent permanent signing of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich and Kevin Danso from Lens represents just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative summer at N17.
Frank’s intimate knowledge of Brentford’s squad has put two of their key players firmly on Tottenham’s radar: midfield general Christian Nørgaard and versatile defender Nathan Collins.
These potential acquisitions would bring much-needed steel and leadership to a Spurs side that showed defensive vulnerabilities last season despite their European success.
Why Nørgaard Makes Perfect Sense
The Brentford captain has been the metronome of Frank’s system since their Championship days, combining defensive discipline with underrated technical quality.
While the Bees are reluctant to lose their skipper, the opportunity to reunite with Frank at a Champions League club may prove irresistible for the 31-year-old Dane.
Tottenham’s interest in Collins comes as they brace for potential departures in central defense. The Republic of Ireland international enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 campaign, demonstrating why he’s become one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League:
| Metric | Nathan Collins (2024/25) | Premier League CB Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Duels Won | 194 | 6th |
| Aerial Duels Won | 119 | 3rd |
| Pass Completion | 86.3% | 12th |
| Recoveries | 162 | 8th |
| Interceptions | 34 | 9th |
| Goal Contributions | 2G, 5A | 4th |
Collins’ all-action displays under Frank last season showcased his development into a complete modern defender. His aerial dominance (ranking 3rd among Premier League center-backs) and ball-playing ability (86.3% pass accuracy) make him an ideal candidate to shore up Tottenham’s backline.
The 24-year-old’s versatility to play across the back three or four adds valuable tactical flexibility for a club competing on multiple fronts.
The Frank Factor
Tottenham’s new manager holds a significant advantage in pursuing both Nørgaard and Collins – his existing relationships with the players and intimate understanding of their capabilities.
As Max Eberl noted regarding Tel’s development under Frank, the Danish coach has proven ability to maximize players’ potential.
This familiarity could prove decisive in heated battles with Arsenal and Liverpool for Collins’ signature.
The potential double raid on Brentford signals Frank’s intention to implement his philosophy quickly at Tottenham.
Nørgaard would provide the midfield control and leadership that was often missing last season, while Collins would add athleticism and composure to a defense that conceded 62 Premier League goals.
With Tottenham likely needing to spend wisely this summer, both targets represent relatively affordable options compared to other Premier League-proven players.
Nørgaard’s age (31) and Collins’ contract situation (long-term deal at Brentford) create different negotiating dynamics, but Spurs’ Champions League status gives them leverage in both cases.
As pre-season approaches, these potential signings would send a clear message about Tottenham’s ambitions under Frank.
While the Europa League victory ended their trophy drought, the club appears determined to build a squad capable of consistent top-four challenges while competing in Europe’s elite competition.
The Brentford connection may well provide the foundation for this new era at Tottenham Hotspur.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Frank can successfully transplant elements of his Brentford success to North London, but one thing is certain – Tottenham are moving decisively to address last season’s weaknesses while capitalizing on their manager’s inside knowledge of the Premier League market.