“He’s Better and cost lesser than Mbeumo”: Tottenham get green light for cut-price Bryan Mbeumo transfer alternative

Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Appointment Could Reopen Pursuit of Former Transfer Target Johan Bakayoko

 

Newly-appointed Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank may soon have an opportunity to reignite interest in a former transfer target—one who previously rejected a move under his management. With the summer transfer window set to reopen on Monday, the Danish coach is expected to begin shaping his squad at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

 

Frank was officially confirmed as Spurs’ new head coach earlier this week, stepping into the role previously held by Ange Postecoglou. With his arrival comes a fresh wave of speculation about potential signings, and it appears that Frank may revisit some familiar names from his time at Brentford as he begins to put his stamp on the team.

 

Among those being linked with a move to North London is Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo. The versatile attacker, who played under Frank at Brentford, is reportedly attracting serious interest from Manchester United. However, it has been suggested that Frank is considering an attempt to hijack the Red Devils’ pursuit and bring the Cameroonian international to Tottenham instead.

 

Mbeumo’s preference, however, is said to lean toward a move to Old Trafford, presenting a potential obstacle for Spurs. If a move for the Brentford star fails to materialize, Frank and Tottenham may quickly pivot to an alternative option—one that could be significantly more cost-effective.

 

According to reports from Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad (ED), PSV Eindhoven are willing to listen to offers for highly-rated winger Johan Bakayoko, with a price tag in the region of £17 million. The Belgian international has just one year remaining on his contract, which has led to PSV’s openness to a summer sale rather than risk losing him for free in 2026.

 

Bakayoko, 22, has enjoyed a strong season in the Eredivisie, scoring nine goals in 30 league appearances. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, especially by Frank, who had previously tried to sign the winger during his time at Brentford. In 2023, the West London club had a £30 million offer accepted by PSV, but Bakayoko ultimately turned down the move, opting to remain in the Netherlands.

 

Following that failed transfer, Frank candidly discussed the challenges Brentford faced in competing for top talent, particularly due to financial limitations and wage structure.

 

“We want players who can step directly into the starting XI, and, in the current market, the prices are ridiculous, so that makes it difficult,” Frank told The Athletic at the time. “Then we sign young players who, over time, can be good enough for the starting XI. So it’s a balance. But we are willing to wait for the right player.”

 

Frank also acknowledged the financial gap that made it difficult for Brentford to compete with other Premier League clubs. “The top eight (clubs) are impossible to compete with — financially out of the question. The next eight are also very difficult for us to compete with. The good news is we have a very well-run club, which means we are not that restricted by financial fair play rules.”

 

While Brentford’s resources limited Frank’s options at the time, his move to Tottenham now puts him in a very different position. Spurs are a more financially powerful club and could offer both the wages and competitive ambitions that players like Bakayoko desire.

 

Interestingly, Bakayoko himself has hinted in the past that he might be ready to take the next step in his career. In an interview with ED last summer, the winger said:

 

“It is also possible that I will leave next year, but I still have to discuss it carefully with my agent. It will also partly depend on PSV, where I will play next season.

I can handle a place at the top. If I were to leave Eindhoven, it would only be to a club that plays for trophies, just like PSV. Becoming champion is what I want. And win the Champions League. I have the qualities for that.”

 

With PSV now having secured the Eredivisie title and enjoyed success in Europe, Bakayoko’s desire for a new challenge could align perfectly with Frank’s ambitions at Spurs.

 

As the transfer window prepares to swing open, Tottenham fans will be watching closely to see whether their new head coach can use his past connections and a larger budget to secure a player who once slipped through his fingers. Should Frank reignite his pursuit of Bakayoko, circumstances this time might just be in his favour.