SPORTbible

Thomas Frank’s first signing as Spurs head coach has reportedly been confirmed.

Frank, 51, was appointed as Spurs’ head coach on Thursday after a successful seven-year spell at Brentford.

A club statement confirming the news read: “In Thomas, we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game. He has a proven track record in player and squad development, and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead.

“Thomas will be joined from Brentford by Justin Cochrane (First Team Assistant Coach), Chris Haslam (Head of Performance & First Team Assistant Coach) and Joe Newton (First Team Coach Analyst), with Andreas Georgson (First Team Assistant Coach) arriving from Manchester United.”

The club have since been linked with Bees forward Bryan Mbeumo, who has also been the subject of a bid from Manchester United.

But on Saturday, journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the club have reached a deal with a highly-rated player.

“Mathys Tel will leave Bayern and join Spurs on a permanent deal, agreement set to be reached,” Romano wrote on X.

“€35m fee in addition to €10m loan fee, as BILD @cfbayern @altobelli13reported.

“Tel, set to stay at Tottenham also under new head coach Thomas Frank.”

Of course, Tel, 20, spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Spurs, making 20 appearances and was included in the Europa League final squad, but did not feature in Bilbao.

Tel is currently away on international duty with France at the Under-21 European Championship in Slovakia.

Ange Postecoglou, who Tel worked under during his short spell at Spurs, insisted that the Frenchman could hold his own in the Premier League and dubbed him a "very exciting" player back in April.

“I didn’t actually bring him here just for six months,” Postecoglou said.

“I think he’s very, very exciting. When you meet him, you realise that he has that certain something. He has enormous confidence in what he wants to do."

He added: “Although he is still young, he can physically handle the Premier League.

“He’s a goal scorer, he can hold his own, he’s got the necessary speed. He will play an important role in our end-of-season push and beyond."

Tel clearly made himself at home in North London and gave an emotional interview to Spurs' official website after the side's Europa League triumph, even referring to Tottenham as "everything" to him and the fans.

“This story was incredible for the club, the fans… I’m very happy," Tel said.

"We did it and we deserve it. I’m playing football and playing to win trophies, so I believe in this team, this club and that’s why we did it. This is a big family with the fans, with everyone. It’s not just a club. It’s everything for us. "We have to keep going and win again.”

Who else could Spurs sign this summer?

Of course, Mbeumo is the obvious candidate to follow Frank across London, but he could be joined by Brentford teammate Yoane Wissa.

As reported by The Guardian, there has been 'internal discussions' about a potential move for the DR Congo man, with the Bees reportedly valuing Wissa at around the £40m mark.

Wissa scored 19 times in 35 Premier League appearances in 2024/25 and may also be on Nottingham Forest's list, after the East Midlands side tried to sign him last summer.

Brentford have made their feelings about letting one of their star players join Tottenham Hotspur after Thomas Frank's move was confirmed.

Just two weeks after he led them to victory in the Europa League final against Manchester United, Spurs announced that they had sacked manager Ange Postecoglu.

It was later confirmed that former Brentford boss Frank would take over in the Spurs dugout, instantly sparking rumours regarding which players the Dane might hope to bring to his new club.

However, there is one star player that it appears Brentford are absolutely adamant will not be leaving the club this summer, regardless of any potential offers from Spurs or any other club.

Shortly after Spurs revealed Frank as their new manager, news broke that star forward Bryan Mbeumo was considering joining his former boss despite interest from Manchester United.

A report from the The Mirror later claimed that Spurs have already submitted a massive bid for the winger £65million plus £5million in add-ons, viewing his as a statement signing.

But Mbeumo isn't the only Brentford player that the Frank may look to sign in the summer, as reports have suggested that Spurs have bookmarked Christian Norgaard as a potential signing in their hunt for a new number six.

The Brentford captain was a key player for Frank in recent years and could act as the perfect replacement for Yves Bissouma who is likely to leave Spurs this summer.

However, it appears that Brentford will not be willing to let the 31-year-old go easily, as they recently tied him down with a new two-year contract, complicating a move to Spurs.

Speaking about the situation on the Last Word On Spurs podcast, Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold said: "It’s a shame (Christian) Norgaard signed a new contract in March, because I think Frank will want a number six.

“I think that’s what he’ll really want for his system and he loves, loves Norgaard, he sees him as a lynchpin midfielder but also a real captain, a proper leader type in that dressing room.

“At 31, he’s not the age profile Spurs would go for either, but I think he was quite an underrated player last season in the Premier League. But I just wonder whether that new contract messes up that idea.”

Now that Thomas Frank is officially the head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, SPORTbible has taken a look at who may leave the club in the coming weeks and months.

Frank, 51, was confirmed as Spurs head coach on Thursday evening, as the club released a statement, which read: “In Thomas, we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game. He has a proven track record in player and squad development, and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead.

“Thomas will be joined from Brentford by Justin Cochrane (First Team Assistant Coach), Chris Haslam (Head of Performance & First Team Assistant Coach) and Joe Newton (First Team Coach Analyst), with Andreas Georgson (First Team Assistant Coach) arriving from Manchester United.”

It is still too early to say if he will target signing any of his Brentford players, although the club have been linked with Bees forward Bryan Mbeumo, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United.

And with it seeming likely that players will arrive, in turn, others could be set to move on.

One of them may be club legend Son Heung-min, who has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia despite having a year remaining on his current deal.

"Rather than saying anything at this moment, I think we should all wait and see what happens," the 32-year-old told reporters after South Korea's 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Kuwait on Tuesday.

"But no matter where I end up, I will always do the best I can. It will never change."

Despite arguably being one of Spurs’ most consistent performers over the past decade, the Korean is now on the wrong side of 30 and saw his form drop off significantly last season, registering just seven goals and nine assists in 30 Premier League games as Spurs finished 17th. For now, his future remains uncertain.

Centre-back Cristian Romero could also depart as he is linked with a move to La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid.

Last week, Football Insider reported that Diego Simeone’s side were likely to complete a deal this summer for the 27-year-old, who has made 124 appearances for Tottenham.

According to the Mail, a fee in excess of £60m could be enough to see Romero leave North London.

Richarlison may also be considering his options, having failed to cement a first-team place following his £60m move from Everton in July 2022.

The Brazil international has been linked with a potential return to Merseyside on loan for some time, but there is nothing to suggest that this will happen this summer.

At 28, the forward is approaching what should be his ‘peak’ and based on his Spurs career, he may need a change of scenery to reach the level he did at Goodison Park.

Another big-name departure could be Yves Bissouma, who struggled last season, having signed from Brighton for £25m in 2022.

The 25-year-old was forced to apologise after uploading a clip of himself inhaling what appeared to be Nitrous Oxide in August 2024.

The player himself has also admitted that he found the 2024/25 campaign tough, having been in and out of the side throughout the season.

A move, even if only a loan, could provide Bissouma with an opportunity to recapture his form, or the appointment of Frank may breathe new life into his stuttering Spurs career.

Spurs 2024/25 retained list

As per the Premier League website, Spurs have released and made several players available for free transfer - see below.

Free transfers

Andiyapan, William

Forster, Fraser Gerard

Linton, Jahziah

McKnight, Maxwell

Reguilon Rodriguez, Sergio

Robson, Max

Whiteman, Alfie Malik

Williams, Jaden Pharell Earl

Released

Adekunle, Timileyin Adegboyega

Krasniqi, Elliot

Orr, Dante D'Angelo

Warren, Charlie Fredrick

Bryan Mbeumo has sent Manchester United fans into meltdown with his latest post, minutes after he was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Athletic reported last week that Brentford winger Mbeumo wanted to move to United this summer, as part of manager Ruben Amorim's rebuild.

It has been claimed that the Portuguese boss sees Mbeumo as a vital part of a dynamic front three that would also include new arrival Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee.

But Sky Sports News reported on Friday that Tottenham had entered the race to sign the Cameroon international.

It is claimed that Spurs have 'held initial discussions' with Brentford over a move for the 25-year-old, who scored a seasonal-best 20 goals in the Premier League last season.

The reigning Europa League champions appointed Thomas Frank from Brentford as their new manager on Thursday.

The Dane managed Mbeumo throughout his entire career at Brentford until his departure - but the forward could yet follow him to north London.

And his latest social media post has a minority of United fans worried.

He sent a message to Frank following his appointment as Spurs manager, posting a photo of Brentford's announcement followed by two prayer emojis.

And although some believe it was a simple farewell and good luck message to his former boss, some United fans are convinced the post means he has already chosen Tottenham as his next club.

On Friday morning, Frank penned an open letter to Brentford supporters following his exit, having spent nearly seven years as manager.

The Dane initially took over from Dean Smith when the Bees were in the Championship, before guiding them to promotion from the play-offs in 2020.

He has since established Brentford as a stable Premier League side, and they finished in 10th place in the 2024/25 season.

Though a significant number of results would have had to have gone their way, Brentford were still mathematically in the race for European football on the final day of the season.

In the letter, Frank wrote: "I want to extend my profound gratitude to the club for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and for everyone involved who made the journey such a memorable one.

"For my family and I, it has been a privilege to be allowed to be part of such a special community - it's an experience and adventure that we will cherish for life. So, thank you.

"Whatever we have achieved, we have achieved together, and our success is built on unity, spirit, courage and ambition at every level of the club and amongst the fans."

Harry Redknapp has hit out at Tottenham players who showed public support for Ange Postecoglou in the aftermath of his sacking.

Postecoglou, who was appointed head coach of Spurs ahead of the 2023/24 season, was sacked on the afternoon of June 6, just 16 days after leading them to victory in the Europa League final.

It was a controversial decision, to say the least, as many believed the Australian manager deserved another season in charge despite his side finishing 17th in the Premier League.

In fact, it was reported last week that chairman Daniel Levy is facing the threat of a player revolt, according to the Telegraph, who claim some players want to leave following the news.

The report also claims Postecoglou's successor will face 'a huge task' to repair the dressing-room damage, although the appointment of Thomas Frank has been met with a mostly positive reaction amongst fans.

Soon after the sacking of Postecoglou, a flurry of Spurs players rushed to social media to show their support for the former Melbourne Victory and Celtic manager.

Yves Bissouma shared details of a text message that Postecoglou sent to him following his departure, while Argentina's Cristian Romero penned a heartfelt tribute to the 59-year-old, just an hour after Spurs announced the arrival of Thomas Frank.

"Ange, thank you for these two incredible seasons," wrote Romero. "You're a fantastic coach, but above all, a great person who deserves the best. From day one you paved the way despite the many obstacles that always existed and always will exist."

He added: "Beyond everything, we won a trophy and went down in the history of this beautiful club, which is the only thing that matters. I wish you the best because you deserve the best, and thank you for everything."

Despite their intentions, however, former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is far from impressed with those who showed their public support for Postecoglou.

Speaking at a Soccer Aid training session on Thursday, Redknapp said: "That's football, that's what footballers do. Oh we love the previous manager well why didn't you try a bit harder you might not have finished fourth from bottom.

"It's the same old message. The king is dead, long live the king. That's football."

"They all come out and say the manager was great and then the new manager comes and he'll great," Redknapp added. "Then when he goes they're sorry to see him go. That's football, you mustn't take any notice of what they say."

Do you agree with Redknapp? Let us know in the comments.

Kyle Walker has provoked a strong reaction from Manchester City fans after he made a controversial comment about former club Tottenham on the latest episode of his podcast.

The 35-year-old defender, who joined AC Milan on a six-month loan in January, has one year remaining on his contract at City, but he faces an uncertain future after being left out of their Club World Cup squad alongside Jack Grealish.

It is a sign neither has any future at the Etihad, according to The Independent, who claim City will look to sell the pair this summer.

Walker, meanwhile, is keeping busy with his new BBC podcast. The full-back joined former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown on the latest episode, which featured a discussion around former club Spurs and their Europa League final win.

As they spoke about the club's victory over Manchester United, Walker admitted he would have "probably" give up one Premier League title to win the Europa League with Tottenham.

Speaking to Brown, he began: "I said to you the other day, I'd probably give up one Premier League.. not the first... to win that with Tottenham."

"I know what it means to them," he added. "I'd probably give my second... It's hard to give one [Premier League] away but I would if I could change it. Just for what that moment meant – to say that I was in that Spurs squad that won a trophy."

Here's how fans of Manchester City have reacted to the comments.

One said: "How on earth was Kyle Walker captain at Manchester City!? His public speaking is completely off the mark every time he opens his mouth."

A second wrote: "Honestly, it’s like every time he speaks he ruins it a bit more. I think it’s telling that we seemingly haven’t missed him at all."

A third commented: "On the pitch the best RB in City, Premier League and English NT history. But by god these interviews/ quotes need to stop," and a fourth said: "How did we let this become our captain after someone like ferna."

A fifth added: "This really ain't that deep. Not a great look saying it publicly, but I'm sure all of our favourites would trade one of the *5* premier league trophies for a European trophy with one of their old teams who haven't won much."

Thoughts on Walker's comments? Let us know.

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has left fans stunned after sending a lengthy farewell message to previous manager Ange Postecoglou - at almost the same time as Thomas Frank was announced as his replacement.

Frank has signed a three-year contract until 2028 to become the Spurs manager, and departs fellow Premier League side Brentford after over seven years at the helm.

The Dane is regarded as one of the most tactically astute managers in England, and will look to build on Spurs' Europa League success last term.

Postecoglou's sacking earlier this month was met with criticism by many Spurs fans given that success, with many believing that he deserved another season in charge despite his side finishing 17th in the Premier League.

Spurs players rushed to social media to pay tribute to the Australian, with midfielder Yves Bissouma even sharing details of a text message that Postecoglou sent to him following his departure.

Noticeably, Argentina defender Romero was one of the few players not to pen a farewell message to his former manager.

He has now done so - but the timing of his social media post, as well as what he said, has certainly caught fans off guard.

Taking to Twitter, Romero wrote: "Ange, thank you for these two incredible seasons.

"You're a fantastic coach, but above all, a great person who deserves the best.

"From day one you paved the way despite the many obstacles that always existed and always will exist.

"Beyond everything, we won a trophy and went down in the history of this beautiful club, which is the only thing that matters.

"I wish you the best because you deserve the best, and thank you for everything."

Spurs announced Frank's appointment as manager at 8:16pm, with Romero's message being posted under a hour later.

Fans also think part of Romero's post was a direct dig at Spurs' ownership and chairman Daniel Levy.

One wrote: "Sat there with this in drafts waiting until Tottenham announced Thomas Frank ... a post which has a dig at the club again."

A second said: "Daniel Levy, you're the obstacles he's talking about."

And a third stated: "Mr Levy won't be liking this but fair play for saying it."

According to TBR Football, Tottenham want to enter talks with Romero over a lucrative new contract.

Tottenham Hotspur have booked their place in an exclusive UEFA competition after winning the Europa League final.

After a lacklustre season in the Premier League, Spurs redeemed their 2024/25 season as they beat English rivals Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final last month.

Winning the European final means that, despite finishing the season 17th in the Premier League, the London club booked their spot in next season's Champions League.

But the Champions League isn't the only UEFA competition that Spurs qualified for after beating Manchester United, as they will face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup in August.

And it doesn't stop there for Spurs, as the Europa League win also means that they are eligible to compete in another exclusive UEFA competition.

In ending their 17-year trophy drought, Spurs qualified for the UEFA–Conmebol Club Challenge, a match that sees the Europa League winners go up against the champions South America's Copa Sudamericana.

First launched two years ago as a revamped version of the Supercopa Euroamericana, the competition saw 2023 Europa League winners Sevilla lift the inaugural trophy.

The La Liga side welcomed Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, winning the match in a penalty shootout.

Italian club Atalanta and Ecuadorian side Liga de Quito were due to face off in last year's competition, but the match didn't take place as the two clubs could not arrange a date for the fixture to be played.

In this year's match, Spurs are due to play Argentine side Racing Club, with Club president and former Inter Milan star Diego Milito keen to organise the fixture.

However, there are already fears that the game could suffer a similar fate to the 2024 match, as according to Football.London, UEFA chiefs believe that it may be difficult to find a suitable time to play the game.

Spurs are currently scheduled to play three friendly matches in three different countries over the summer, facing Arsenal and Newcastle United in Hong Kong and Seoul before returning to Europe to face club legend Harry Kane in a match against Bayern Munich.

Thomas Frank is linked with the Spurs job, and he will, no doubt, look to improve on a torrid 2024/25 Premier League campaign for the Europa League winners by bringing several quality players to the club.

Spurs won their first trophy in 17 years with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in May.

And despite Ange Postecoglou achieving something the likes of Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Mauricio Pochettino could not by bringing silverware to north London, he was still sacked last week.

Several Premier League managers have since been linked with the vacancy, including Fulham’s Marco Silva, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, but the favourite is Brentford head coach Frank.

Thomas Frank is linked with Spurs (Credit:Getty)

So, if he does undertake the head coach’s role, who will Spurs sign and how could they line up next season?

Bryan Mbeumo

Despite heavy interest from Man Utd, according to GiveMeSport, Spurs are still keen on potentially bringing Mbeumo to the club, and their position may be strengthened with the seemingly imminent arrival of Frank due to the pair working together at Brentford over the past six years. The forward returned a career-best season in 2024/25, netting 20 goals in 38 Premier League appearances as well as producing seven assists.

Eberechi Eze

Spurs are also reportedly interested in bringing Crystal Palace and England star Eze to the club, with TBR reporting that he has a release clause of £60 million plus an extra £8 million in add-ons.

However, the attacking midfielder is contracted to Palace until the summer of 2027 and could prove tough to get.

Kim Min-jae

The Korean defender could be set to move on from Bayern Munich this summer due to the arrival of Jonathan Tah.

As reported by TBR, Kim has been ‘offered’ to Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle, but Spurs could boast an advantage as his international teammate Son Heung-min has shared a dressing room with him and played alongside Kim on 57 occasion.

Speaking to Sports Chosun last summer, Son said: “As I say every time, Min-jae Kim is a really good defender. It’s a defence that I really like. From a global perspective, I think he is a player who can learn many things from now on.”

Yann Aurel Bisseck

As reported by Calcio Mercato, Spurs are "pressing hard" to sign the German Inter Milan defender and could even use Radu Drăgușin as part of a potential deal.

The 24-year-old defender is also thought to be attracting interest of several other Premier League clubs with Aston Villa, West Ham and Manchester United in the running. Bisseck is reportedly valued at around £35m by Inter.

Spurs starting XI predictions:

Frank has employed a 4-3-3 for most of his time at Brentford, and would likely do the same at Spurs.

Guglielmo Vicario will likely remain the first-choice goalkeeper while Pedro Porro, Mickey van de Ven and Destiny Udogie will play if they remain fit.

As for Cristian Romero, he would, no doubt, be part of Frank’s plans, but has been linked with a potential move away, which could provide an opening for Kim to come in at centre-back.

Moving into midfield, Pape Matar Sarr would work well alongside the potential addition of Eze and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Then a forward three of Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke and Mbeumo could give some defences sleepless nights when they are on song.

Tottenham are on the lookout for a new manager after they made the somewhat unpopular decision to sack Ange Postecoglou, although one of their top candidates has already rejected an approach from the club.

Postecoglou was sacked on Friday afternoon, just 16 days after leading them to victory in the Europa League final.

It was a bold decision from chairman Daniel Levy. In fact, Levy is facing the threat of a player revolt, according to The Telegraph, who claim some players want to leave and that Postecoglou's successor will face 'a huge task to repair the dressing-room damage'.

Spurs, meanwhile, have stated that a replacement for the Australian coach will be announced in due course.

Having established Brentford as a Premier League club in recent seasons, Thomas Frank is said to be the leading contender, while Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are also in the running to succeed Postecoglou.

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi, on the other hand, has turned down an approach from Spurs.

After leading the club to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, the Italian is keen to continue his journey at the Stade Velodrome as they prepare to take part in the Champions League in 2025/26.

"Tottenham are prepared to advance in talks with leading candidate Thomas Frank in the next days," said Romano. "Spurs also approached Roberto De Zerbi in the recent days, but the Italian head coach rejected as he wants to stay at Olympique Marseille."

Ange Postecoglou's emotional message to Tottenham fans and players following his sacking

After being dismissed from his role at the club, Postecoglou released a powerful statement.

"When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride," he said.

"The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget,

"That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

"We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.

"I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on. It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.

"And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.

"We are forever connected. Audere est Facere. Ange."