Spurs make approach for “world-class” £20m star, he’d be a better signing than Mbeumo – opinion
Thomas Frank Tasked with Steering Tottenham Hotspur into a New Era
Tottenham Hotspur have ushered in a new chapter following the appointment of Thomas Frank as the club’s head coach, replacing Ange Postecoglou earlier this summer. The Danish tactician, who impressed during his time at Brentford, has now been handed the challenge of taking Spurs to the next level—both domestically and in Europe.
As Frank settles into life in North London, his first task will be to fully assess the squad at his disposal. The club’s hierarchy will expect swift evaluations and clear decisions on the future of several players, many of whom may no longer fit into the new manager’s tactical plans.
In his initial press interviews, Frank was clear in his ambitions: to turn Tottenham into consistent winners and build on the recent Europa League success. To achieve such lofty goals, the manager will need considerable backing from the club’s board. However, to create the financial room necessary to reshape the squad, player departures are likely. Selling fringe or high-wage players could be crucial in freeing up budget space and generating funds for key reinforcements.
Summer Transfer Activity Gathers Pace
With the summer transfer window now in full swing, Spurs have already been linked with a host of names across Europe. These links signal an ambitious start to life under Frank, and the club’s supporters are understandably intrigued by the potential incomings.
One of the first names to be seriously connected with a reunion with Frank was Bryan Mbeumo, the versatile forward from Brentford. Given the strong relationship built during their time together in West London, speculation around a potential move was always going to surface. Mbeumo was instrumental for the Bees last season, particularly following Ivan Toney’s move to Saudi Arabia. He stepped up as the club’s attacking talisman, netting an impressive 20 goals in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign—a feat that placed him among the most in-demand players this window.
However, Spurs’ hopes of landing the Cameroonian appear to have hit a dead end. Reports suggest that Mbeumo has set his sights on a switch to Manchester United, with the Red Devils already tabling two offers for his services. As a result, Tottenham have been forced to shift their attention elsewhere.
Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries Emerges as a Key Target
With Mbeumo seemingly off the table, Spurs have turned their focus to Denzel Dumfries, the dynamic Dutch wing-back currently at Inter Milan. According to FC Inter News, Tottenham have submitted an enquiry regarding Dumfries’ availability. The Italian giants are believed to be open to a sale, with a price tag in the region of €25 million (£20 million). That figure makes Dumfries a more financially viable option compared to the premium fee Mbeumo might command.
The report further claims that other Premier League giants, including Chelsea and Manchester United, have also expressed interest in the 29-year-old defender. Nevertheless, Tottenham are expected to push hard, especially with Frank eager to bolster his options on the right flank.
Dumfries vs. Mbeumo – A Case for Versatility and Value
While Dumfries isn’t a like-for-like replacement for Mbeumo—he’s more of a wing-back than a forward—his signing could ultimately prove more beneficial for the overall balance and depth of the squad.
The Dutch international brings a unique blend of pace, physicality, and technical skill that allows him to excel both in defense and attack. Last season, Dumfries notched 11 goals and five assists across all competitions, underlining his offensive threat despite primarily operating in a defensive role. His performance was particularly memorable during Inter’s Champions League semi-final clash with Barcelona, where he scored five goals over the two legs, further showcasing his big-game credentials.
Defensively, Dumfries is equally impressive. He won 72% of his tackles and averaged 5.2 duels won per 90 minutes, stats that highlight his combative nature and reliability on the right-hand side. Whether deployed as a right-back, wing-back, or even higher up in midfield, Dumfries offers tactical flexibility—an invaluable trait for a team competing on multiple fronts next season.
From a financial standpoint, the Inter defender represents a shrewd investment. At £20 million, he comes at a significantly lower cost than Mbeumo, potentially allowing the club to invest in other areas as well.
Building a Squad for All Competitions
While there’s no question that missing out on Mbeumo is a blow—especially considering his proven Premier League pedigree and familiarity with Frank’s system—Dumfries’ arrival would still mark a significant upgrade in areas where Spurs have lacked consistency. His ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch, combined with his experience at the highest levels of European football, makes him an ideal fit for a Spurs side looking to compete on multiple fronts in 2025/26.
Thomas Frank’s first summer at the helm may still have twists and turns ahead, but early signs point toward a strategic rebuild. The club seems committed to providing their new boss with the tools to succeed, and if Dumfries is the start of that process, Spurs fans may have good reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.