Spurs can complete double transfer swoop to give Frank exactly what he wants
Johan Lange could have a clear path to deliver exactly what new head coach Thomas Frank needs to finalise his Tottenham Hotspur squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
So far, Spurs’ transfer activity this summer has been measured, especially when compared with some of their more aggressive Premier League rivals. The North London club has completed four signings, although not all are entirely new arrivals. One of those signings, Mathys Tel, had already been at the club during the second half of last season on loan, with Spurs making the move permanent after being impressed with his contributions.
In addition to Tel, Tottenham have also added highly-rated young defender Kota Takai, talented attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus, and experienced midfielder Joao Palhinha, who has joined on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich. Despite this, there is still work to be done if Frank is to fully mold the team to fit his vision.
According to sources at football.london, Spurs remain confident in their financial position and believe they can fund further additions before the window closes. Frank is reportedly prioritising two key areas: a creative central attacking midfielder (a classic number 10) and a seasoned centre-back to enhance the squad’s defensive depth.
The club’s failed attempt to land Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest earlier this summer was a clear indicator of their intention to bolster creativity in midfield. Gibbs-White was seen as an ideal fit, but negotiations fell through, leaving Spurs to explore alternative options.
On the surface, the decision to pursue another centre-back might raise eyebrows, given the current depth in that area. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are Frank’s top-choice central defenders, while the likes of Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, and the newly signed Takai offer experienced cover. Promising young talent Luka Vuskovic is also on the books, though football.london reports that the club is open to loaning him out this summer to gain valuable first-team minutes elsewhere.
However, the rationale behind seeking another centre-back becomes clearer when considering last season’s injury struggles. Romero and Van de Ven both faced spells on the sidelines, forcing then-manager Ange Postecoglou to rely on makeshift solutions, including playing versatile midfielder Archie Gray in central defence. Furthermore, Dragusin is still recovering from a serious cruciate ligament injury and may not be at full fitness for the start of the season, which places added pressure on the club to reinforce at the back.
With those two key priorities—an attacking playmaker and a centre-back—Spurs may find a unique opportunity to strike a double deal with one Premier League club in particular: Crystal Palace.
Tottenham have a longstanding interest in Palace defender Marc Guehi, and even submitted a bid for the England international during the January transfer window, though it was swiftly rejected by the Eagles. Guehi remains a highly regarded target due to his composure, leadership qualities, and experience at both club and international level.
Another Palace star who has caught Tottenham’s attention in the past is Eberechi Eze, a dynamic and creative midfielder who fits the mold of the number 10 Frank desires. Earlier in the summer, football.london reported it was unlikely Spurs would pursue Eze due to their strong interest in Gibbs-White, but that stance may have changed now that the latter deal has collapsed.
Spurs may need to move quickly, however, as reports suggest Arsenal are also keen on Eze and view him as a potential final addition to their squad this summer. The Gunners may need to offload players before making a formal approach, opening the door for Tottenham to swoop in and hijack the deal.
Signing both Guehi and Eze would represent a significant outlay, with Guehi reportedly valued at around £50 million and Eze carrying a £67.5 million release clause—bringing the potential double deal to £117.5 million. While it would be a costly investment, both players would address critical needs and instantly elevate the quality of Tottenham’s starting XI.
Of course, Crystal Palace would be reluctant to lose two of their most prized assets in one window. However, Tottenham could look to soften the blow by offering Luka Vuskovic on loan for the season, allowing the Eagles to bolster their defensive ranks while giving the young Croatian valuable Premier League experience.
There’s little doubt that Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze would be major coups for Thomas Frank and the club. Guehi would provide added defensive security and leadership, while Eze’s flair, vision, and creativity would fill the void left by the failure to sign a high-calibre playmaker. Both would represent signings that signal ambition—not just to compete in the Premier League, but to push for top-four contention and beyond.
With the transfer window still open and funds seemingly available, all eyes will be on Johan Lange and the Tottenham board to see if they can pull off what could be a transformative double deal in the final weeks of the summer window.