‘Mini Salah’ is now close to saying no to Tottenham, Thomas Frank will be gutted
Tottenham Transfer Blow as Top Thomas Frank Target Bryan Mbeumo Edges Closer to Manchester United Move
Tottenham Hotspur appear to have suffered an early setback in the transfer market under new head coach Thomas Frank, with one of his top targets now expected to reject the club in favour of a move elsewhere.
The North London club has begun accelerating their summer recruitment plans following the official appointment of Frank, who joined from Brentford after a successful spell in West London. As part of the negotiations to take the Spurs job, Frank was keen to have a say in transfer policy and reportedly pushed for the signing of a player he knows very well – Bryan Mbeumo.
The 24-year-old Brentford winger, known for his pace, creativity, and goal threat, had emerged as a key recommendation from Frank, who worked closely with Mbeumo during their time together at the Gtech Community Stadium. However, Tottenham’s pursuit of the Cameroon international now appears to be over, with Mbeumo understood to be heading towards a switch to Manchester United instead.
According to Sky Sports, Mbeumo is currently leaning towards joining United, who are pushing to finalise the deal with a second formal offer already in the pipeline. The Red Devils see Mbeumo as a valuable addition with his contract winding down at Brentford, presenting what they believe to be a cost-effective opportunity to reinforce their wide options.
While Tottenham did express strong interest and held talks with the player’s camp, they were ultimately unwilling to meet the wage demands proposed by Manchester United – a decision that may have cost them the chance to reunite Frank with one of his trusted former players. Sources at TBR Football indicate that Spurs have now accepted the likelihood that Mbeumo is committed to making the move to Old Trafford, despite their initial efforts to bring him to North London.
Speaking to Sky Sports, journalist Mark McAdam confirmed the shift in momentum:
> “At the moment, it feels like he’s headed to Old Trafford. We know that there were a number of sides that were interested in Bryan Mbeumo. His contract is running down, hence why Manchester United are seeing this as an opportunity.
We know there’s interest from Tottenham as well, but it looks like he’s heading to Old Trafford. They’re just preparing a second offer which they hope will get Mbeumo.”
The loss of Mbeumo comes as a particular disappointment to Frank, who had hoped to bring the winger with him as part of his new Tottenham project. However, Spurs are wasting no time in pivoting to alternative targets.
Tottenham Shift Focus to Crystal Palace Star Eberechi Eze
In response to the Mbeumo setback, Tottenham are now intensifying their interest in Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, another player highly admired by Frank. The 26-year-old England international, known for his flair, dribbling, and ability to operate between the lines, has long been on Spurs’ radar – dating back to his time at Queens Park Rangers in 2019.
According to TBR Football, Frank is a huge admirer of Eze’s skill set and sees him as a player who can bring something different to Tottenham’s attack. Encouragingly for Spurs, Crystal Palace are reportedly open to allowing Eze’s release clause to be paid in instalments, a financial structure that could ease negotiations and facilitate a deal.
With Mbeumo slipping away and other targets proving too expensive – Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, for example, is valued at more than £60 million, putting him out of reach – Eze may now become the primary attacking focus of Spurs’ summer transfer strategy.
Tottenham are eager to support Frank with new signings as he begins to shape the squad in his image. While missing out on Mbeumo is a blow, securing Eze would represent a major statement of intent and provide the creative spark Frank desires in the final third.