Sky Sports: Spurs submit £70m bid for Attacking “monster” as 1st Frank deal, he’s better than Mbeumo
A New Era Beckons for Tottenham Hotspur as Transfer Plans Take Shape
As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for the upcoming Premier League season, a wave of change is sweeping through North London. With Daniel Levy at the helm, the club has made a bold, and arguably controversial, decision: parting ways with Ange Postecoglou, the manager who finally ended Spurs’ long-standing trophy drought. In his place, they have appointed Danish tactician Thomas Frank, the man widely credited with Brentford’s remarkable transformation from Championship hopefuls to Premier League mainstays.
Although many supporters were keen to see the club stand by Postecoglou after he delivered long-awaited silverware, the decision-makers at Spurs clearly saw a different path forward. Thomas Frank, with his proven track record of building a competitive and exciting team on a limited budget, represents a fresh and intriguing direction. His style of play, focus on high energy, and tactical adaptability could make him a strong fit for the ambitious project Tottenham are hoping to shape in the years to come.
Unsurprisingly, with Frank’s arrival, the rumour mill has already linked Tottenham with several Brentford players — most notably Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroon international has been a key figure in Brentford’s attack, and his performances have certainly attracted the attention of top clubs. However, recent reports suggest that Spurs might be setting their sights even higher, as another Premier League forward is emerging as a potential transfer target — one who may offer even more upside than Mbeumo.
Tottenham’s Summer Transfer Radar: Beyond Mbeumo
Before diving into this new name, it’s important to note that Tottenham have been linked with several other high-profile attacking talents this summer. Two standout names are Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace and Xavi Simons, the Dutch sensation currently on the books at Paris Saint-Germain, but impressing on loan.
Eze, an elegant attacking midfielder with a keen eye for goal, has long been on Tottenham’s radar. His £68 million release clause reflects his rising value, and with 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances last season, the 25-year-old has more than justified that price tag. His flair, creativity, and technical brilliance make him one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier League.
Simons, meanwhile, would be a more futuristic acquisition. At just 22, he has already shown he can perform at a high level, tallying 11 goals and 8 assists in 33 appearances. The reported £67 million fee for his services is steep, but considering his potential and versatility, it could turn out to be a wise investment for any forward-thinking club.
However, amidst the big names and starlets, a less heralded but equally exciting option has surfaced: Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo.
Antoine Semenyo: A Rising Star Worth Chasing
According to a recent report from Sky Sports, Tottenham’s interest in Antoine Semenyo has not waned — despite originating during Postecoglou’s tenure. The club is believed to be keeping a close eye on the Bournemouth attacker, who has steadily built a reputation as one of the most dangerous and hard-working forwards outside the traditional top six.
While a precise transfer fee has not been confirmed in the most recent update, earlier estimates have placed Semenyo’s value around £70 million. It’s a hefty sum, no doubt — but one that might just be worth paying.
Semenyo’s performances last season were consistently impressive. In 42 appearances across all competitions, the Ghanaian international netted 13 goals and laid on seven assists. While those raw numbers don’t quite match Mbeumo’s impressive haul of 20 goals and 9 assists, there is far more to consider than just goals and assists.
Digging Deeper: Why Semenyo Could Outshine Mbeumo
In modern football, the effectiveness of an attacking player is measured by more than just their goal contributions. When you begin to examine underlying metrics — such as expected goals (xG), progressive carries, shot creation, and defensive contributions — a clearer picture emerges of a player’s overall impact on the game.
Statistically, Semenyo often comes out ahead of Mbeumo in key performance areas. He ranks higher in non-penalty expected goals plus assists (npxG + xA), shots per 90, shots on target, successful progressive carries, and even in defensive contributions like tackles and pressures. This suggests he’s not only a potent attacker but also a tireless worker — traits that would fit well in Thomas Frank’s high-intensity system.
What makes Semenyo even more intriguing is his versatility. Described as a “monster” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, the 25-year-old is ambipedal — meaning he’s equally comfortable using both feet. This allows him to play effectively on either wing, as a central striker, or even in deeper attacking midfield roles. His adaptability makes him a dream for any manager seeking tactical flexibility.
In contrast, Mbeumo, while exceptional off the right wing, doesn’t offer quite the same range of options. Semenyo’s ability to slot into multiple roles means he could give Thomas Frank more tools to adjust his system based on the opponent or the situation — something that’s invaluable over the course of a long Premier League campaign.
A Choice Between Two Talents — But One May Offer More
There’s no doubt that both Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo would be strong additions to Tottenham’s attacking arsenal. Mbeumo brings proven output and familiarity with Frank’s methods. But Semenyo, with his athleticism, tactical intelligence, and broader skill set, might represent the higher-ceiling signing.
As Spurs look to enter a new chapter under Thomas Frank, targeting dynamic, multi-functional players like Semenyo could signal a clear shift in recruitment strategy. It’s not just about the biggest names or flashiest stats anymore — it’s about building a cohesive, adaptable team that can compete on multiple fronts.
Only time will tell who the Lilywhites eventually bring through the doors of Hotspur Way this summer. But if the choice comes down to Mbeumo or Semenyo, the latter’s all-around excellence might just make him the better bet.