Frank can strike gold with “future £100m” Spurs ace who he tried to sign for Brentford
Tottenham Hotspur Enters New Era Amid Managerial Shake-Up and Squad Reassessment
It’s a period of significant transformation at Tottenham Hotspur, with major changes underway both on and off the pitch. Despite achieving a monumental milestone just last month by guiding Spurs to their third-ever European trophy in the UEFA Europa League and ending a trophy drought that had lasted nearly two decades, Ange Postecoglou was relieved of his managerial duties on Friday afternoon.
This decision has understandably sparked mixed reactions among the Tottenham faithful. While many fans are disappointed to see the Australian coach depart after a historic triumph, the club’s underwhelming domestic campaign has made it easier to understand the rationale. Under Postecoglou, Spurs secured just 11 wins from 38 Premier League matches, a record far below expectations for a club with top-four ambitions.
Although an official announcement has yet to be made, all signs now point to Brentford manager Thomas Frank being the frontrunner to take the reins at Tottenham. If the Danish coach does indeed take over, it could signify a new direction for the squad – one that might benefit certain players while leaving others with uncertain futures.
Winners and Losers Under Thomas Frank: Who Stands to Gain or Lose?
Before diving into which rising star might shine under Frank’s potential leadership, it’s worth examining which players in the current Spurs squad could see their roles shift dramatically – for better or worse.
Losers: Brennan Johnson and Yves Bissouma
A surprising potential casualty could be Brennan Johnson, who, despite finishing the season as the club’s top scorer, might find his starting spot under threat. Reports suggest that Frank is keen on bringing in Bryan Mbeumo, one of his most trusted forwards at Brentford. If a deal for Mbeumo materializes, Johnson could see his minutes significantly reduced, especially given the similarities in their playing positions.
Yves Bissouma might also be facing an uncertain future. Although he played an instrumental role in Spurs’ Europa League success, his domestic form has been less convincing. Frequent lapses in concentration and costly errors – such as his poor showing against Fulham, where he was substituted at halftime and received a dismal 3/10 rating, or the reckless penalty he conceded against Chelsea – have raised questions about his reliability at the Premier League level.
Winners: Lucas Bergvall and Dominic Solanke
Not all players, however, are likely to struggle under the new regime. Some may find themselves reinvigorated by Frank’s tactical philosophy and man-management style.
Lucas Bergvall, for instance, appears to be a player tailor-made for a Thomas Frank setup. The 19-year-old midfield prodigy was one of Spurs’ standout performers this past season, even earning the club’s coveted Player of the Year award. Once he recovers from injury, Bergvall could take further steps in his development under Frank, who has a strong track record of nurturing young talent.
Dominic Solanke also deserves mention. While the striker hasn’t been a consistent goal scorer, his tireless work rate and physical presence have made him a vital component of the attack. Given Frank’s history of turning Brentford into an efficient and free-scoring side, it’s not far-fetched to think he could help transform Solanke into a more clinical and dangerous striker.
The Hidden Gem: Archie Gray’s Rise Could Accelerate Under Frank
One player who stands out as potentially thriving under Frank’s guidance is Archie Gray – a young talent who nearly ended up at Brentford before Tottenham swooped in. Last summer, reports indicated that Gray had agreed personal terms with Brentford and was close to finalizing a move. However, Spurs made a late move, securing his signature for around £30 million.
Given Frank’s clear admiration for the midfielder during his Brentford days, it’s easy to imagine that he’ll be thrilled to finally have the opportunity to work with him. And for Gray, this could be the perfect scenario to unlock his immense potential.
This season, the 19-year-old has been deployed in various roles across the pitch, preventing him from truly settling and showcasing his best abilities. Under Frank, however, there’s a strong possibility he could finally find consistency in his preferred midfield position.
Despite limited time in central midfield during the 2024/25 campaign, Gray posted some remarkable underlying statistics. According to FBref data, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for shot accuracy, top 4% for blocked shots, top 5% for clearances, and top 13% in several key passing and carrying metrics – all on a per 90-minute basis. These numbers are even more impressive when considering his youth and lack of positional stability.
A Star in the Making
Analyst Ben Mattinson has gone so far as to suggest that Gray could become a “£100m player” in the future, and it’s easy to see why. With the right developmental framework and a manager who believes in him, the teenage sensation could be poised to take the Premier League by storm.
Frank’s history of developing dynamic midfielders and maximizing squad potential bodes well for Gray. The Danish manager brings a tactical structure that emphasizes fluid attacking transitions, intelligent pressing, and precise buildup play – all areas where Gray could excel with the right coaching.