Thomas Frank has been given the chance to reignite transfer interest in a target who has previously turned him down as he looks to build his squad at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Thomas Frank Set for Transfer Rematch with Past Target as He Begins Tottenham Squad Rebuild

 

New Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank could soon have a second opportunity to sign a player who previously rejected him, as he embarks on building a competitive squad ahead of the new Premier League season. The Danish coach, who was officially announced as Spurs’ new head coach this week, has taken over from Ange Postecoglou and is expected to be active in the upcoming summer transfer window, which officially opens on Monday.

 

With Frank now at the helm at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he is expected to put his own stamp on the squad. Early reports suggest that he is already looking to reunite with a familiar face: Bryan Mbeumo, the Brentford forward with whom Frank previously worked closely during his time with the Bees. Mbeumo has attracted strong interest from several Premier League clubs, most notably Manchester United, and while a move to Old Trafford appears to be the player’s preference, Frank may attempt to intervene and convince his former protégé to join him in North London instead.

 

However, luring Mbeumo away from a potential move to one of the country’s most decorated clubs will be no easy task. The player is reportedly drawn to United’s stature and ambition, which could leave Spurs on the back foot. Still, Frank and the Tottenham hierarchy appear to have a Plan B already in motion should the pursuit of Mbeumo prove unsuccessful.

 

One alternative being considered is PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko. The 22-year-old Belgian international is reportedly available for a relatively modest fee of around £17 million, a price that reflects the fact he has just one year left on his contract with the Dutch club. Bakayoko has been a standout performer in the Eredivisie, scoring nine goals in 30 appearances this past season. His pace, technical ability, and eye for goal have made him one of Europe’s most promising young wide players.

 

Interestingly, this is not the first time Frank has tried to bring Bakayoko to the Premier League. While at Brentford last year, the club had a £30 million offer for the winger accepted by PSV. However, the move ultimately collapsed when Bakayoko turned down the chance to join the West London side. After the failed transfer, Frank candidly spoke about the challenges Brentford faced in attracting top-level talent.

 

“We want players who can go straight into the starting XI, but in today’s market, the prices are crazy,” Frank told The Athletic at the time. “So we have to find a balance—between spending wisely and developing young players who can grow into that level. We are willing to wait for the right player and build sustainably.”

 

Frank emphasized Brentford’s impressive development track record but admitted the club struggled to match the financial power of even mid-table Premier League sides. “We’re not in a position to spend £100 million on one player. That’s just reality for a club of our size,” he added. “We can compete in many ways, but not when it comes to wages or transfer fees like the top eight clubs—or even the next group of eight.”

 

Now at a larger and more financially robust club, Frank may finally be able to land a player like Bakayoko. With Spurs enjoying a greater transfer budget and the backing of a Premier League giant, the dynamics have shifted in Frank’s favor. Additionally, Bakayoko’s own attitude toward a move abroad appears to have changed in the past year.

 

In a candid interview with Dutch outlet ED last summer, Bakayoko signaled he was open to taking the next step in his career. “It’s possible I will leave next year, but I need to carefully discuss that with my agent. It also depends on PSV and their plans for me,” he said. The winger went on to express his ambition to compete at the highest level, saying, “If I leave Eindhoven, it will be for a club that plays for trophies—just like PSV. I want to be a champion and win the Champions League. I have the qualities for that.”

 

With PSV having secured the Eredivisie title and progressed in European competitions, Bakayoko now sees himself ready for a new challenge. His comments, combined with Tottenham’s greater financial strength and Frank’s determination, point to a potentially different outcome should Spurs revisit the deal this summer.

 

Frank’s arrival in North London signals the beginning of a new era at Tottenham, and the pursuit of Bakayoko—whether successful or not—will serve as an early test of how much influence the Danish manager wields in the transfer market. If he can finally land the winger at a reduced price and under more favorable conditions, it would mark a significant coup as Spurs aim to re-establish themselves among the Premier League elite.