Tottenham can complete signings next week as Frank faces crucial decision
Tottenham Poised for Further Transfer Activity as Financial Flexibility Increases in July
Tottenham Hotspur are expected to ramp up their transfer activity once the calendar flips to July, with preparations already well underway behind the scenes. Following the confirmation that Mathys Tel’s loan move has been made permanent and an agreement has been reached to bring in Japanese talent Kota Takai, Spurs look set to intensify their squad-building efforts for the upcoming season.
Takai, a highly regarded 18-year-old centre-back from J League club Kawasaki Frontale, is joining Tottenham for a fee of £5 million—an all-time record sale for the Japanese top flight. The intention is to integrate the young defender into the first-team setup immediately, signaling the club’s growing interest in tapping into emerging international markets for long-term investments. This mirrors the approach they took with Tel, who arrived with promise and has since earned a permanent place in the squad.
While the club’s recruitment of future stars bodes well for the years ahead, there is growing concern among supporters and pundits that Tottenham are still lacking the elite-level additions required to compete at the highest level right now—particularly as their rivals aggressively reinforce their squads. Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool have all made significant moves early in the summer, raising the bar for clubs hoping to challenge domestically and in Europe.
Though Spurs enter the 2025/26 campaign as Europa League champions and Champions League qualifiers, expectations will be high, and squad depth will be tested. Competing on multiple fronts, especially in Europe’s most prestigious tournament, requires a team filled not just with potential, but proven quality. So far, the club’s biggest links to marquee names such as Eberechi Eze, Xavi Simons, and Bryan Mbeumo have yet to produce anything substantial.
In the case of Mbeumo, Tottenham appear to have fallen behind in the race, with the Brentford forward reportedly set on a move to Manchester United. However, United have not yet met Brentford’s valuation. Meanwhile, Eze, who has long been admired by Spurs, is now firmly on the radar of both Arsenal and Manchester City, putting further pressure on Tottenham to act decisively if they wish to remain in contention for his signature.
The hesitancy to launch formal bids for high-profile targets might soon come to an end with the start of the new financial year on July 1. Once that date arrives, Tottenham will have more freedom to invest heavily without falling foul of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The financial rewards from last season’s European success—alongside a return to the Champions League—have significantly boosted the club’s revenue, paving the way for major spending.
Under these improved financial conditions, the idea of sanctioning two big-money signings in the region of £60–£70 million each is no longer unrealistic. The club could finally start acting on the bold plans reportedly in place under new head coach Thomas Frank.
From a tactical standpoint, Tottenham’s two immediate priorities appear to be a central midfielder who can dictate play and a right winger who offers a different skill set to Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski. Mbeumo, given his pace and directness, would have been an ideal option—especially considering his prior working relationship with Frank at Brentford. Yet with that deal currently looking unlikely, attention could turn to other dynamic attackers.
One such alternative is Mohammed Kudus. The West Ham star was a standout performer in the 2024/25 Premier League season, dazzling with his dribbling, creativity, and ability to play multiple roles across the frontline. However, his £85 million release clause could be a sticking point, particularly when weighed against his relatively modest goal and assist output. Although immensely talented, Kudus might represent a gamble at that price point.
On the other hand, Crystal Palace’s Eze could represent better value. With a reported £68 million release clause that may be payable in structured instalments, Tottenham might find the England international a more accessible option. Eze is primarily a central attacking midfielder but is also highly effective when deployed on the left, where he can drift inside and operate between the lines. His flexibility and technical quality would make him an immediate asset to Frank’s system.
Both Kudus and Eze offer valuable versatility and flair—two traits that Tottenham’s attack could benefit from, particularly in the high-stakes environment of the Champions League. Adding either player would not only bolster the team’s creative options but also provide crucial depth in wide and central areas, allowing for tactical variety and injury cover.
As the summer progresses, the pressure will mount on Spurs to make their move. The groundwork has been laid with the acquisitions of Tel and Takai, but now the emphasis must shift to proven, first-team-ready stars. The financial excuses that have previously slowed down deals will no longer hold water after July 1. With a strong European campaign on the horizon and increased expectations under a new manager, Tottenham must step up to match the ambition shown by their Premier League rivals.
All eyes will now be on chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Johan Lange to deliver. The next few weeks could be decisive—not only for Tottenham’s transfer window but for their ability to mount a credible challenge in multiple competitions.