Thomas Frank is urging Daniel Levy to sign £100k-a-week “immense talent” for Tottenham – report
Tottenham Hotspur are finalizing a deal to appoint Brentford’s Thomas Frank as their new head coach, marking a decisive end to their managerial search just days after parting ways with Ange Postecoglou.
The 51-year-old Dane emerges as Daniel Levy’s preferred candidate following remarkably swift negotiations, with Fabrizio Romano confirming Tottenham will trigger Frank’s £10 million release clause after reaching full agreement on contract terms and backroom staff arrangements.
Frank’s impending arrival contrasts sharply with Tottenham’s protracted 2021 managerial hunt, demonstrating Levy’s determination for a seamless transition.
The Brentford boss brings a proven track record of overachieving with limited resources while implementing a data-driven recruitment model – qualities that align perfectly with Tottenham’s operational philosophy.
His six-year tenure at Brentford saw the Bees transform from Championship contenders to established Premier League performers, highlighted by their famous 2-0 victory over Arsenal in last season’s opener.
Statistical Standouts: Tottenham’s Top Performers (2024/25 Premier League)
| Player | Average Match Rating |
|---|---|
| Son Heung-min | 7.00 |
| James Maddison | 6.98 |
| Pedro Porro | 6.95 |
| Dominic Solanke | 6.84 |
| Dejan Kulusevski | 6.83 |
Data via WhoScored
While Frank’s Premier League credentials are undeniable, questions linger about his readiness for Tottenham’s elevated expectations. Unlike Postecoglou who arrived with title-winning experience across multiple continents, Frank has never managed a club with Champions League aspirations or trophy demands.
Some observers draw parallels to Nuno Espírito Santo’s ill-fated 2021 appointment, though Frank’s more expansive tactical approach and longer Premier League tenure suggest a better fit.
Transfer Targets Emerge as Frank Shapes Squad
The incoming manager is already influencing Tottenham’s recruitment strategy, with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze reportedly topping his wishlist. Sources indicate Frank has personally recommended the 26-year-old playmaker to Levy, viewing him as an ideal alternative should Bryan Mbeumo’s proposed move to Manchester United materialize.
Eze’s stellar campaign – capped by scoring the FA Cup final winner against Manchester City – showcased his match-winning quality, with 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions.
Palace will demand his £68 million release clause be met, a significant investment that would immediately signal Tottenham’s ambition under Frank’s leadership.
The England international’s journey from Arsenal reject to elite performer particularly resonates, with Martin Keown noting: “He realized when it hits you really hard as a young man, you think ‘Ok, I’m coming back from this.’ That resilience defines him.”
Strategic Challenges Ahead
Frank inherits a squad requiring careful evolution rather than revolution. While Son Heung-min and James Maddison remain elite performers (as evidenced by their league-topping ratings), the new manager must address defensive fragility and create more consistent attacking patterns.
His Brentford sides were renowned for their set-piece prowess and counterattacking efficiency – qualities that could translate well to Tottenham’s current personnel.
The Danish tactician’s first test will be balancing European commitments with Premier League progress, a challenge unfamiliar from his Brentford days.
How quickly he adapts to managing bigger egos and heightened scrutiny may determine whether this appointment succeeds where previous “project” managers have struggled.
With pre-season preparations looming, Tottenham’s hierarchy have acted decisively to secure their man. While Frank represents something of a calculated gamble, his progressive methods and Premier League pedigree offer genuine cause for optimism.
The coming weeks’ transfer activity – particularly regarding Eze or alternative targets – will reveal much about the club’s ambition under this new era.