Tottenham Hotspur are setting their sights on a familiar face for Thomas Frank as the club prepares for what could be a significant transfer raid in 2026.
The North London side is reportedly monitoring Brentford forward Kevin Schade a player Frank knows very well from his time at the Bees as part of their long-term plans to strengthen the attack.
However, sources suggest that Tottenham’s immediate January needs could complicate their pursuit of the talented German winger.
The need for a dynamic left-sided attacker has become Tottenham’s top priority, particularly after the departure of club legend Son Heung-min to Major League Soccer last summer.
Since then, the team has struggled to find a consistent performer in that position. Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert have both been given opportunities but have yet to truly convince, while Mathys Tel has been deployed more centrally and was excluded from the Champions League squad.
New signing Xavi Simons has been moved into the No.10 role in the absence of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, leaving Tottenham short of natural width and creativity on the left.
As a result, the club is expected to spend heavily to address the issue, with multiple attacking names being linked to a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Among them are Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, both viewed as players capable of bringing pace, directness, and versatility to Frank’s attacking system.
However, the latest reports from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reveal that Kevin Schade has also emerged as a key name on Spurs’ transfer radar.
Schade, 23, enjoyed a strong campaign under Frank at Brentford last season, registering 11 goals and two assists in 38 appearances.
His blend of pace, power, and intelligent movement down the flank earned him glowing praise from his former manager, who once described him as “unbelievable.”
This term, he has continued to impress, netting his first goal of the season in a 2-2 draw against Chelsea in September. Tottenham view him as an ideal long-term option who fits seamlessly into Frank’s tactical philosophy.
While the plan is reportedly to move for Schade in the summer of 2026, Tottenham’s pressing need for attacking reinforcements could force them into earlier action.
With Son gone and inconsistency plaguing the current options, Spurs cannot afford to wait another year to solve a problem that has already affected their attacking rhythm.
The January transfer window presents the first real opportunity to act though it remains unclear whether Brentford would be open to selling Schade mid-season, especially to their former manager’s new club.
TEAMtalk insider Dean Jones has revealed that Antoine Semenyo remains the club’s primary target for the left-wing role.
The Bournemouth forward’s ability to operate on both flanks and his chemistry with Mohammed Kudus, his international teammate for Ghana, make him an appealing option.
However, the Cherries are unlikely to part ways with their star player easily, meaning Tottenham would have to present a considerable offer to secure his services in January.
Ademola Lookman is another name that continues to linger on Tottenham’s list. The Nigerian international was close to joining Spurs late in the summer window, but negotiations broke down when Atalanta insisted on a permanent sale rather than a loan deal.
Lookman has since fought his way back into Atalanta’s lineup, and whether Tottenham reignite their interest remains uncertain. Still, if Frank manages to bring in a new left winger in January, it’s unlikely that the club will continue pursuing Schade next summer.
Beyond the left-wing dilemma, Tottenham’s broader transfer plans are beginning to take shape. Reports indicate that Bayern Munich have given Thomas Frank the green light to proceed with the permanent signing of Joao Palhinha.
The Portuguese midfielder has made it clear that he enjoys life at Tottenham and is eager to remain under Frank’s management, strengthening the core of Spurs’ midfield.
At the same time, Spurs are said to be exploring a move for Porto’s prolific young striker Samu Aghehowa. With Dominic Solanke struggling with injuries, Frank is believed to want additional attacking depth to keep the team competitive in multiple competitions.
However, Porto’s valuation of Aghehowa means any deal would likely command a significant transfer fee.
Additionally, Tottenham are considering bringing in a new goalkeeper as part of their long-term squad restructuring.
Preparations are already underway to identify potential candidates ahead of the new year, signaling that the club’s recruitment strategy under Thomas Frank is both ambitious and meticulous.
The coming months will be critical for Tottenham as they aim to solidify their attack and continue building a squad capable of competing for major honors.
Whether their next star forward arrives in January or during the summer of 2026, one thing is clear Thomas Frank’s vision for Tottenham is taking shape, and familiar faces like Kevin Schade could play a key role in shaping the club’s new era.
