Spectacular Tottenham overhaul to start with £52m Serie A swoop that could save Thomas Frank
Tottenham Hotspur appear determined to stand firmly behind manager Thomas Frank heading into the January transfer window, even as a vocal portion of the fanbase has begun calling for his dismissal following a miserable run of results. Despite the growing unrest, the club hierarchy is reportedly preparing to support Frank with significant backing—particularly in defence—where a high-profile Serie A reinforcement has now emerged as a leading target.
A Defence in Freefall
For all the stability Spurs initially enjoyed under Frank, their defensive structure has collapsed spectacularly in recent weeks. Tottenham have conceded 13 goals in their last four matches, including heavy defeats that saw four shipped in a flat North London derby performance at Arsenal and five conceded to PSG in a sobering Champions League loss.
It isn’t just the volume of goals conceded that has alarmed Frank and his staff, but the manner of them. Costly individual errors have plagued the team, with even experienced figures such as captain Cristian Romero and last season’s standout goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario producing uncharacteristic mistakes at crucial moments.
With the defensive crisis deepening, fresh reports indicate that Tottenham are preparing to accelerate their push for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer, a player long admired by the club’s decision-makers and seen as a potential solution to their structural issues.
Paratici Targets a Familiar Market
Sporting director Fabio Paratici, who maintains strong connections in Italy, is said to be driving the pursuit. The Brazilian has grown into one of Serie A’s most commanding centre-backs—physically imposing, strong in aerial duels, and tactically disciplined—and is viewed at Hotspur Way as the kind of signing who could instantly steady a shaky back line.
Italian outlet Tutto Juve first outlined Spurs’ renewed interest, suggesting that Juventus might consider offers in the region of €40 million (£35m) in January. However, a follow-up report from CaughtOffside claims that the Turin giants would demand a significantly higher fee, exceeding £52 million (€60m) to part ways with one of their key defensive pillars.
The situation is further complicated by interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, both of whom are keeping a close eye on developments. Juventus are reportedly unwilling to sanction a sale unless an offer arrives that they deem “irresistible.”
The Tactical Puzzle: Romero, Van de Ven, and Bremer
If Tottenham do push ahead, it raises a tactical dilemma for Frank. Assuming the Dane sticks with his preferred back-four system, a move for Bremer would create a situation where one of Romero, Micky van de Ven, or Bremer himself would have to settle for a bench role.
Van de Ven has become indispensable, his pace and composure offering a unique dimension to the defence. Romero, meanwhile, is not only a World Cup winner but Frank’s captain—making him almost impossible to drop.
This dynamic has led some analysts to question whether links to Bremer are realistic—or whether they hint at longer-term contingency planning. Both Romero and Van de Ven have previously attracted interest from Real Madrid, though Spurs have been adamant that neither is for sale and are close to handing Van de Ven a lucrative new deal, following the one Romero signed in August.
The Future: Luka Vuskovic and Long-Term Planning
Another factor shaping Tottenham’s defensive thinking is the rapid development of teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic. The 18-year-old has earned rave reviews on loan at Hamburg and was close to breaking into Frank’s first-team squad before the club opted for a season of Bundesliga experience.
His performances have not gone unnoticed. Borussia Dortmund are believed to have made informal enquiries about his future, yet Spurs have been firm: Vuskovic is considered a cornerstone of the defence for years to come.
This stance slightly dampens the idea of a massive January outlay on Bremer—but should the opportunity arise to sign a world-class defender entering his peak, Tottenham may find it impossible to resist.
Other Tottenham Storylines
Beyond the centre-back debate, several other developments continue to swirl around the club:
Guglielmo Vicario remains under scrutiny after his high-profile error against Fulham, prompting strong reactions from supporters. Frank has publicly defended his goalkeeper and criticised the fans who booed him, insisting that unity is essential in difficult periods.
Richarlison, linked with a temporary move away, is unlikely to be allowed to leave on loan in January, according to sources close to the club.
And in a long-term twist, a fresh report claims Tottenham could move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in 2026, despite Paul Scholes recently warning Manchester United against signing the energetic youngster.