King Exclusive: Thomas Frank to target England int’L striker as first Tottenham signing

The impending arrival of Thomas Frank as Tottenham’s new manager has set the stage for a potentially transformative summer at N17, with the club already laying the groundwork for significant attacking reinforcements.

As Spurs look to rebound from a disappointing 17th-place Premier League finish, their search for a proven goalscorer has taken an intriguing turn, with former Brentford striker Ivan Toney emerging as a surprise target.

Frank’s appointment, now confirmed after Tottenham agreed to meet his £10 million release clause from Brentford, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the North London club.

The Danish tactician’s imminent arrival has naturally sparked speculation about which players might follow him from West London, and while Bryan Mbeumo’s potential move has dominated headlines, ex-Spurs scout Bryan King suggests Toney could also be in the frame.

“Tottenham should have signed Toney last summer,” King told Tottenham News. “While money remains a stumbling block, the Saudi Pro League hardly represents elite competition.

With the World Cup approaching, Toney must consider whether staying in Saudi Arabia benefits his England prospects.”

Striking Crisis Demands Immediate Solution

Tottenham’s need for attacking firepower has become increasingly urgent. Last season’s struggles saw Dominic Solanke manage just nine league goals following his high-profile move, while Richarlison’s injury-plagued campaign has likely ended his Spurs tenure.

Only Brennan Johnson reached double figures, leaving Frank with a clear mandate to revitalize the frontline.

Toney’s credentials make him an intriguing option. The 29-year-old enjoyed a prolific debut season with Al-Ahli, netting 24 goals in 30 Saudi Pro League appearances. His complete campaign statistics demonstrate his enduring quality:

These numbers showcase Toney’s clinical finishing and ability to perform across multiple competitions – attributes Tottenham desperately need. However, his potential acquisition would represent a departure from the club’s recent recruitment strategy of targeting younger talents with resale value.

Strategic Shift or Short-Term Fix?

Tottenham’s transfer policy under Fabio Paratici and later Johan Lange has prioritized emerging stars, with even established signings like Solanke and James Maddison arriving at 26.

At 29, Toney would become the oldest outfield signing since Ivan Perisic in 2022, raising questions about whether he fits the club’s long-term vision.

Yet Frank’s appointment may signal a more pragmatic approach. The Danish manager knows Toney’s game intimately from their time together at Brentford, where the striker’s 32 Premier League goals across three seasons earned him England recognition.

His physicality, penalty-box presence, and link-up play would offer Tottenham a different dimension upfront, complementing the pace of Johnson and potential arrival Mbeumo.

Securing Toney’s services won’t be straightforward. Al-Ahli will demand a significant fee for a player they only signed last summer, while his substantial wages in Saudi Arabia could complicate negotiations. Tottenham may need to offload players like Richarlison or Pierre-Emile Højbjerg to facilitate such a move.

The club also faces competition for Toney’s signature, with several Premier League clubs monitoring his situation.

However, the Frank factor could prove decisive – their successful partnership at Brentford might convince Toney that Tottenham offers the ideal platform to reignite his Premier League career and cement his England place ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Rebuilding with Premier League Proven Quality

While Toney’s age doesn’t align perfectly with Tottenham’s usual profile, his immediate impact potential might justify the exception. Frank’s system relies heavily on a focal point in attack – a role Toney performed excellently during Brentford’s rise.

His 64% aerial duel success rate last season would add much-needed physicality to Spurs’ frontline, while his penalty expertise (scoring 22 of 23 career spot-kicks) could prove invaluable in tight matches.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Tottenham formalize their interest, but one thing is clear: with Frank at the helm and the club desperate to regain their top-half status, bold moves in the transfer market appear inevitable.

Whether Toney becomes part of that revolution may depend on how highly the new manager rates his former charge – and how willing Daniel Levy is to adapt the club’s transfer strategy for immediate results.

As pre-season approaches, Tottenham fans can expect a flurry of activity. The Frank era begins with pressing questions about the squad’s composition, and how the club answers them will shape their prospects for the season ahead. One thing’s certain – after last season’s disappointment, change is coming to North London.