Tottenham tried to sign another “superstar” after Kolo-Muani, he was Frank’s priority target
The final hours of the transfer window are always a whirlwind of last-minute calls, frantic negotiations, and unexpected opportunities. For Tottenham Hotspur, the successful loan signing of Randal Kolo-Muani from Paris Saint-Germain was a major coup, addressing a critical need for attacking depth.
However, behind the scenes, Manager Thomas Frank was orchestrating an even more ambitious move, one that reveals the club’s long-term thinking and the specific profile of player they are trying to build around.
While the arrival of Kolo-Muani was a welcome surprise for fans, Frank was clear about the qualities that made the French international so appealing.
He praised the striker’s age, his experience at the very highest level with both club and country, and perhaps most importantly, his tactical flexibility.
Kolo-Muani offers a “different option in the final third,” capable of leading the line as a central striker or creating danger from out wide.
This versatility is priceless in the modern game, allowing a manager to adapt his system without losing offensive threat.
Yet, even with this significant addition secured, the club’s work was not done. According to reports, Frank had identified another primary target to further bolster his attacking options: Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman.
The Nigerian winger was reportedly the manager’s top priority as the deadline loomed, a player he believed could add a different dimension to the Spurs attack.
The pursuit of Lookman, however, faced a significant hurdle. Tottenham’s strategy on deadline day was evidently focused on smart, low-risk financial deals.
They had just secured Kolo-Muani on a straight loan with no obligation to buy, and they approached the Lookman situation with a similar mindset.
Rather than meeting Atalanta’s £43 million asking price, Spurs proposed another loan deal. The Italian club, understandably, was not interested in this temporary arrangement for one of their star players, and the move ultimately collapsed.
This leaves a fascinating “what if” scenario for the club and its supporters. In missing out on Lookman, they may have passed on the chance to sign a genuinely transformed player.
Lauded as a “superstar” by those who have followed his Serie A career, Lookman has completely rebuilt his reputation in Italy. His statistics tell the story of a player who has found a new level of confidence and end product, a far cry from his earlier, less impactful spells in the Premier League.
| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Everton | 48 | 4 |
| Fulham | 35 | 4 |
| Leicester City | 42 | 8 |
| Atalanta | 118 | 52 |
The table above highlights his remarkable evolution. While he managed a combined 16 goals in 125 appearances across three different English clubs, he has exploded in Serie A, scoring 52 times in 118 games for Atalanta.
This is not just a player in good form; this is a player who has fundamentally improved and matured into a consistent and deadly attacking force.
For Tottenham, the interest in Lookman signals a clear intent. They are looking for dynamic, versatile, and proven attackers who can immediately elevate the team’s performance.
While the loan deal for Kolo-Muani was a excellent short-term solution, the attempt to secure Lookman shows that Thomas Frank has a very specific vision for the kind of firepower he wants.
The fact that the player is known to be unhappy at Atalanta means this story might not be over, and Spurs could very well revisit a move in the January window, hopefully with a more permanent offer.