Better signing than Mbeumo: Spurs make enquiry for “world-class” £20m star

Thomas Frank Era Begins at Tottenham: Denzel Dumfries Emerges as Key Target After Mbeumo Snub

Thomas Frank has officially stepped into his new role as Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach, taking over from Ange Postecoglou earlier this summer. The Danish tactician is now tasked with guiding the North London club to a new level of competitiveness, both domestically and on the European stage. After Spurs secured Europa League glory under Postecoglou last season, expectations are high for Frank to build on that momentum and transform the team into consistent contenders.

Stepping into the Tottenham hot seat will require some initial adjustment for Frank, who must take time to assess his squad thoroughly. Evaluating his existing player pool will be a critical early step as he determines who fits into his long-term vision and who might be surplus to requirements.

However, Frank has made it clear in his first official club interview that ambition alone won’t be enough—he’ll need significant backing from the club’s board to execute his plans effectively. The path to success, particularly in the Premier League’s ultra-competitive environment, involves both strategic recruitment and smart squad management. To generate the funds necessary for new signings, Spurs may need to offload a number of players currently on the wage bill. Freeing up space in the budget will be crucial if the Dane is to reshape the squad in his image.

Spurs’ Active Summer Window: Eyes on Reinforcements

As the summer transfer window gains momentum, Tottenham have been linked with several players who could bolster their ranks ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Fans are already buzzing about the potential incomings, with new transfer targets being reported on a regular basis.

One name that has consistently surfaced is Bryan Mbeumo, the versatile Brentford forward who played a key role in Frank’s previous Premier League success. Given their strong working relationship at Brentford, it’s no surprise that Mbeumo emerged as a top target for Spurs in the early stages of the window. However, hopes of a reunion now appear to be fading.

According to recent reports, Mbeumo is keen on a move to Manchester United instead, with the Red Devils reportedly tabling two bids for the Cameroon international. That development has effectively ruled out a move to North London, forcing Tottenham to shift their focus toward alternative options.

Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries Becomes a Priority

With Mbeumo off the table, Tottenham have now turned their attention to Denzel Dumfries, the dynamic Inter Milan wing-back. According to Italian outlet FC Inter News, Spurs have made an official enquiry for the Dutch international, who could be available for a reasonable fee of around €25 million (£20 million). The report also notes that Chelsea and Manchester United have shown interest in Dumfries, making this a potentially competitive race for his signature.

Though Dumfries isn’t a like-for-like replacement for Mbeumo, his signing would address multiple areas of the pitch. Capable of playing as a traditional right-back or higher up the flank as a right-sided midfielder, Dumfries offers tactical versatility that Frank could make excellent use of during a long, demanding season.

Dumfries vs. Mbeumo: A Smart Tactical Pivot?

While Mbeumo would have certainly brought an attacking spark—having notched 20 Premier League goals last season in a Brentford side struggling for consistency—Dumfries presents a different kind of value. The 29-year-old has proven he can contribute effectively at both ends of the pitch, something Frank is likely to appreciate as he builds a more balanced and resilient Spurs side.

StatMuse has even referred to Dumfries as “world-class,” and the numbers back it up. In the 2024/25 campaign, Dumfries scored 11 goals and provided 5 assists across all competitions. Impressively, five of those goals came during Inter’s deep run in the Champions League, where he starred in a memorable semi-final clash against Barcelona.

Here are Dumfries’ key stats from last season in Serie A, via FotMob:

Statistic (Per 90) Value

Games Played 29
Goals + Assists 9
Pass Accuracy 77%
Tackles Won 72%
Duels Won 5.2
Touches in Opp. Box 4.6
Aerial Success Rate 72%

These numbers showcase a player who not only defends well but also makes significant contributions in attacking areas. His ability to impact the game in multiple phases makes him an ideal addition for a club competing across four competitions next season.

A Pragmatic Signing with Long-Term Upside

Unlike the pursuit of Mbeumo—which now seems like a closed chapter—the chase for Dumfries appears to be gaining real traction. Given the affordability of the deal and the player’s proven experience in European football, this could be a smart move by Spurs’ hierarchy. Dumfries’ versatility, athleticism, and experience would allow Frank to deploy him in various roles depending on tactical needs, offering cover and competition on the right flank.

While Mbeumo would have been a high-impact signing for the attack, Dumfries offers something perhaps more valuable: flexibility, balance, and leadership from the back. His signing would also represent a significant boost to squad depth, which is vital for a team aiming to challenge in the Premier League, Europa League, domestic cups, and potentially more.

Conclusion

Tottenham’s new era under Thomas Frank is still in its infancy, but the early signs are promising. With a clear strategy in place, smart recruitment will be the foundation for any success the club hopes to achieve. While missing out on Mbeumo may feel like a setback, the potential arrival of Denzel Dumfries could be a tactical masterstroke—one that equips Spurs with the right tools to compete on multiple fronts in 2025/26.