Tottenham make fresh contact to sign #9 target on a free transfer, but is he an ideal striker under Thomas Frank?
Tottenham Hotspur Renew Interest in Jonathan David as Search for Striking Reinforcement Continues
Tottenham Hotspur are once again in the market for a centre-forward this summer, and the name of Jonathan David has returned to the top of their shortlist. It marks the second consecutive summer where chairman Daniel Levy has prioritised signing a striker, following last year’s marquee acquisition of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.
While Solanke made a strong impression during his debut season in North London, registering a respectable goal tally, the burden of leading the line almost single-handedly has started to raise concerns within the Spurs hierarchy. With the club aiming to challenge on multiple fronts under new head coach Thomas Frank, they are looking to ease the workload on Solanke by bringing in a reliable strike partner or rotational option.
Tottenham’s Striker Hunt Heats Up
In recent weeks, the North London club has been linked with several forwards, including Viktor Gyökeres, who enjoyed a prolific campaign in Portugal, and Miguel Merentiel, another promising name under consideration. But it is Jonathan David — now available as a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Lille — who has sparked the most serious interest.
Tottenham have been linked with the Canadian international in each of the past three transfer windows, but with his current availability and talks with other suitors such as Juventus and Napoli reportedly stalling, Spurs have moved quickly to re-establish contact with his representatives.
This renewed interest comes as Maresca and Frank, two tacticians known for blending youth and tactical versatility, align their visions for a more fluid attacking unit heading into the 2025/26 season.
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Who Is Jonathan David?
David, still only 25, has been one of the most consistent forwards in Europe over the past few seasons. Known for his explosive movement, clinical finishing, and intelligent positioning, the Canadian is not your typical target man, but rather a mobile striker who thrives in systems that utilise diagonal runs, high pressing, and quick transitions.
He is comfortable playing through the lines, working the half-spaces, and exploiting defensive gaps with his timed movements. His ability to score with both feet, maintain composure in one-on-one situations, and combine well with creative midfielders makes him an ideal fit for modern, possession-based systems.
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Tactical Fit Under Thomas Frank
The big question now becomes: how would Jonathan David fit into Thomas Frank’s tactical vision at Tottenham?
Frank, who took charge at Spurs following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, has been known to deploy flexible formations such as the 3-5-2, 4-3-3, and 4-4-2 diamond, depending on the opposition. He builds his teams on verticality, compact pressing, and fluid attacking rotations — a blueprint that could suit David’s playing style perfectly.
Option 1: A Dynamic Duo with Solanke in a 3-5-2
In a dual-striker system, Frank could pair Solanke with David, using the former as the physical focal point who pins defenders and occupies central zones, while the latter plays just off him, darting into channels and making secondary runs. This setup would allow David to focus on movement and finishing, rather than holding up play — one of the few areas where he isn’t elite.
Such a partnership could mirror combinations seen in successful 3-5-2 systems across Europe, offering both physical presence and intelligent movement in the final third.
Option 2: Wide Forward in a 4-3-3 or Hybrid 4-2-3-1
Alternatively, David has also shown he can operate as an inside forward, particularly from the right side, drifting into central areas to create scoring opportunities. In a 4-3-3 setup, this role would see him link up with creative midfielders like Eberechi Eze, Xavi Simons, or Mohammed Kudus — all players linked with moves to Spurs this summer.
Frank could use David’s off-the-ball runs and ability to stretch defences to create space for his playmakers, while also offering positional interchangeability that can confuse opponents and keep the attack unpredictable.
This kind of flexible forward role suits David’s strengths and allows Tottenham to rotate systems mid-game without compromising structure or output.
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Should Tottenham Prioritise David?
From a strategic and financial standpoint, Jonathan David makes a compelling case. Available on a free transfer, he represents excellent value for money — especially given his age, experience in top European competitions, and high resale potential. His versatility also offers tactical flexibility, something Thomas Frank is known to value in his attacking units.
Moreover, David’s profile complements Solanke far more naturally than that of Richarlison, who has struggled for consistency since his arrival and does not offer the same kind of intelligent movement or technical polish.
That said, if Frank is insistent on signing a physically imposing forward in the mould of Solanke, then Viktor Gyökeres might be a more logical target. Gyökeres has the strength and directness to play as a traditional No.9 and could provide a more like-for-like alternative should Solanke be rested or injured.
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Final Thoughts
Tottenham’s summer recruitment is shaping up to be both ambitious and calculated. With European football returning and the club looking to bounce back from a disappointing 17th-place Premier League finish, reinforcements are essential — particularly in the forward areas.
Jonathan David is a proven goalscorer with the intelligence and versatility to thrive in multiple systems. If Daniel Levy can secure his signature ahead of other suitors, it could be one of the smartest deals of the window — especially on a free.
Whether as Solanke’s strike partner, a hybrid winger, or a rotational forward, David brings attributes that fit the evolving identity of this new-look Spurs side under Thomas Frank. And with the Canadian seemingly at a crossroads in his career, Tottenham may represent the perfect next step for both parties.