Sky Sports: Spurs eye £70m “monster” in dream 1st Frank deal, he’s better than Mbeumo

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for yet another dramatic reset as they head into next season with a new manager at the helm and bold ambitions in the transfer market.
Chairman Daniel Levy made the controversial call to part ways with Ange Postecoglou last Friday — a decision that sparked outrage among sections of the fanbase. After all, Postecoglou was the man who brought silverware back to Spurs, ending the club’s long trophy drought. But the club’s hierarchy had other ideas, opting instead to appoint Brentford boss Thomas Frank, a coach known for his tactical innovation, leadership, and ability to develop talent.
While many supporters may have preferred continuity and further backing for Postecoglou, Frank’s appointment does bring renewed intrigue and excitement. The Danish tactician took Brentford from Championship mid-table mediocrity to Premier League stability, building a reputation as one of the brightest minds in English football. His arrival signals a new vision for Spurs — one focused on attacking football, intelligent recruitment, and long-term development.
A Summer of Ambition: Spurs Eye High-Profile Attacking Reinforcements
Unsurprisingly, Frank’s move from Brentford to North London has led to immediate speculation linking Tottenham with several of the Bees’ top performers — including standout winger Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroon international has been central to Brentford’s success in recent years and would certainly add firepower to Tottenham’s frontline. However, recent reports suggest that Spurs could be setting their sights even higher.
In what promises to be a busy transfer window, Tottenham have already been linked with a string of exciting attacking talents, including Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.
Eze, a long-term target for the North Londoners, has enjoyed a stellar campaign, notching up 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances. His £68 million release clause is steep, but given his productivity, technical brilliance, and Premier League experience, it’s a price that could be worth paying.
Simons, on the other hand, represents a different kind of investment. At just 22 years old, the Dutchman has already amassed impressive numbers — 11 goals and 8 assists in 33 matches last season — and carries with him the aura of one of Europe’s most promising attacking midfielders. Securing his signature, reportedly for around £67 million, would be a significant coup and signal Tottenham’s intent to build a youthful, dynamic squad.
Yet, there’s another name that has quietly emerged as a potentially even better fit for Spurs’ evolving style — Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
Semenyo: The Premier League Star That Could Outshine Mbeumo
According to Sky Sports, Tottenham’s interest in Semenyo has remained strong, even after Postecoglou’s exit. While a price tag hasn’t been officially disclosed, earlier reports suggest that the Cherries could demand as much as £70 million for their versatile Ghanaian attacker.
At first glance, some fans may question why Spurs would consider splashing such a substantial sum on Semenyo instead of Mbeumo, who posted a remarkable 20 goals and 9 assists in 42 appearances this season. But when you dig deeper into the numbers — and consider the overall skill set and potential — Semenyo begins to look like the more complete package.
The Bournemouth forward may have produced slightly fewer goal contributions — 13 goals and 7 assists — but his impact extends far beyond traditional stats. When it comes to advanced metrics, Semenyo shines.
He boasts superior stats in non-penalty expected goals plus assists (npxG+xA), progressive carries, shots on target, total shots, passing accuracy, and even defensive contributions such as tackles — all on a per-90 basis. These numbers suggest a player who not only contributes directly to goals but also drives play forward, presses intelligently, and links up well with teammates.
Tactical Versatility: A Key Factor in Semenyo’s Appeal
One of the most compelling reasons for Tottenham to pursue Semenyo is his versatility. Described as a “monster” and a “maverick” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the 25-year-old is capable of operating in multiple attacking roles. He’s ambipedal — comfortable with both feet — which makes him equally dangerous whether playing off the left, right, or even centrally. His adaptability allows him to slot into various formations and systems, providing Thomas Frank with a tactical Swiss army knife capable of solving multiple problems.
Mbeumo, while an excellent right-sided winger, lacks the same level of positional fluidity. In contrast, Semenyo’s ability to play as a wide forward, central striker, or even a supporting midfielder means he could seamlessly transition between roles as the game demands — a major asset for a manager like Frank who values flexibility and tactical nuance.
Conclusion: A Transfer Dilemma Spurs Would Love to Have
Tottenham’s summer transfer plans are beginning to take shape, and with Thomas Frank now leading the charge, it’s clear the club are targeting players who fit a more modern, data-driven profile. While Bryan Mbeumo remains a tempting option given his Premier League track record and familiarity with Frank, Antoine Semenyo presents a more intriguing long-term investment.
His underlying stats, adaptability, and all-around game make him not only a viable alternative but potentially a better overall fit for Spurs’ new era.
Whether it’s Mbeumo or Semenyo, Spurs appear determined to reshape their attack with players who bring dynamism, creativity, and work rate — qualities that Thomas Frank built his Brentford side around. And if they can seal the right deals, this “new dawn” at Tottenham Hotspur could finally usher in the consistent success fans have long craved.