Tottenham get green light for cut-price Bryan Mbeumo transfer alternative
As Thomas Frank settles into his new role at Tottenham Hotspur, the Danish manager may be granted an opportunity to finally secure a long-admired target who previously slipped through his fingers.
Johan Bakayoko, PSV Eindhoven’s electrifying 22-year-old winger, has re-emerged as a potential bargain signing for Spurs this summer, presenting Frank with a chance to rectify last year’s failed pursuit when he was at Brentford.
The circumstances surrounding this potential transfer have shifted dramatically since 2023, when Bakayoko rejected a £30 million move to Brentford despite the clubs agreeing a fee.
At the time, Frank openly acknowledged the challenges facing clubs outside the Premier League’s financial elite, lamenting the “ridiculous” prices in the market and Brentford’s inability to compete with the wage structures of England’s top sides.
His move to Tottenham instantly changes that dynamic, placing him at a club with both greater resources and loftier ambitions.
Bakayoko’s situation at PSV has also evolved significantly. With just one year remaining on his contract, the Belgian international’s valuation has dropped to a surprisingly affordable £17 million – less than half of what Brentford agreed to pay last summer.
This represents exceptional value for a player who contributed nine goals in 30 Eredivisie appearances this season while establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers.
The player’s own comments last summer suggest he’s now ready for a new challenge, telling Dutch media: “If I were to leave Eindhoven, it would only be to a club that plays for trophies…I have the qualities for that.”
Tottenham’s Champions League qualification and Frank’s presence make them a far more compelling proposition than Brentford could ever offer.
Frank’s pursuit of Bakayoko forms part of a broader strategy to inject pace and creativity into Tottenham’s attack. While Bryan Mbeumo remains a primary target – with Frank hoping to reunite with his former Brentford charge – the potential complications of that deal make Bakayoko an attractive alternative.
The young winger’s direct style, explosive acceleration and improving end product would offer Tottenham something different in wide areas, complementing the existing attacking options.
Key Factors in Tottenham’s Favor:
- Dramatically reduced transfer fee due to contract situation
- Player’s stated ambition to compete at highest level
- Frank’s existing relationship from previous pursuit
- Champions League football at Tottenham
- Potential to develop under a manager who understands his game
Bakayoko’s potential arrival would also align with Tottenham’s recent transfer strategy of identifying talented young players before their value skyrockets. At £17 million, he represents significantly less risk than many alternatives while offering similar upside.
His ability to play on either flank would provide valuable tactical flexibility for Frank as he looks to implement his preferred system.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Frank can finally land his man, but the stars appear to be aligning differently this time. Where Brentford couldn’t compete financially or in terms of prestige, Tottenham can offer both – along with a manager who has tracked Bakayoko’s progress for over a year.
For a player who has openly aspired to Champions League football and major trophies, this summer may represent the perfect moment to make his Premier League move under a manager who clearly values his talents.
As Frank begins shaping his Tottenham squad, the Bakayoko pursuit encapsulates the advantages his new position affords him.
No longer constrained by Brentford’s financial limitations, he can now target players who were previously out of reach – and few would represent a more satisfying signing than the winger who got away.