Spurs ready to break wage structure for “world-class” signing, he’d be Frank’s new Mbeumo
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has spent much of the current campaign laying the groundwork for a new era in north London, diligently working to embed his tactical principles and bring a sense of structure and calm to a club that endured a turbulent and emotionally draining season last year. Spurs lurched from highs to lows throughout that period, and stabilising the environment has been one of Frank’s primary objectives since taking charge.
There have undoubtedly been encouraging signs along the way. Performances have shown flashes of cohesion, and several young players appear to be developing in line with the club’s long-term vision. However, Tottenham are still very much a work in progress. For a side that sees itself as a future mainstay among Europe’s elite, there remains a clear gap between ambition and execution. While the foundations are being laid and the squad boasts plenty of potential, further refinement and reinforcement will be required if Spurs are to consistently compete with the continent’s most established heavyweights.
One area that is crying out for improvement is the attacking department. The need for greater firepower has become even more pronounced following the summer departure of Heung-min Son to Los Angeles. Son’s exit not only removed a reliable source of goals and leadership, but also underlined a broader decline in world-class attacking talent at the club over recent years. For Tottenham to move forward rather than tread water, that downward trend must be reversed sooner rather than later, with 2026 shaping up as a crucial year in that rebuilding process.
Spurs’ plans for the January transfer window
Tottenham are approaching the upcoming January transfer window in unfamiliar circumstances. For the first time in a very long while, Daniel Levy is no longer the dominant figure shaping recruitment strategy. Instead, sporting director Johan Lange will be tasked with overseeing proceedings, and it remains to be seen just how aggressive Spurs intend to be midway through the season.
What is clear is that changes are coming. Yves Bissouma has found himself increasingly sidelined and is expected to be moved on, placing central midfield firmly at the top of the club’s list of priorities. Spurs lack dynamism, control and intensity in the middle of the pitch, and addressing those deficiencies is seen as essential to Frank’s system functioning properly.
That said, midfield is not the only concern. Tottenham are also short of creativity, incision and ruthlessness in the final third. The question, then, is who might emerge as a prime target as Spurs look to bolster their attacking options during the winter window.
According to reports from TEAMtalk, Tottenham retain a strong interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. The club are reportedly prepared to push beyond their usual wage limits to tempt the 25-year-old to north London. Such a move would represent a significant statement of intent, particularly given the calibre of competition for his signature.
Semenyo, a Ghana international, is attracting attention from some of the Premier League’s biggest names, including Liverpool and Manchester City. Any potential deal would therefore be far from straightforward. Complicating matters further is the £65 million release clause in his contract, which becomes active in January and sets a high bar for any interested suitors.
Why Antoine Semenyo could be the perfect fit for Spurs
What makes Semenyo such an appealing option for Tottenham is not just his output in front of goal, but the manner in which he goes about his work. He is a relentless, high-intensity forward whose effectiveness stems from his tireless pressing, physicality and willingness to battle for every ball. That work rate sets him apart from many traditional wingers and aligns closely with the demands Frank places on his attacking players.
His Bournemouth teammate Justin Kluivert has previously described Semenyo as “world-class,” praising the consistency and dedication that have allowed him to reach such a level. Those attributes are reflected in his performances this season, with six goals and three assists already to his name. Earning a reported £75,000 per week, Semenyo is clearly on an upward trajectory and appears ready for the next step in his career.
There are also clear stylistic parallels between Semenyo and Bryan Mbeumo, a player who flourished under Thomas Frank at Brentford. Mbeumo thrived as a direct, hard-working attacker capable of leading the line or operating from wide areas, and Semenyo possesses many of the same qualities. Under Frank’s guidance, there is a strong belief that the Bournemouth forward could elevate his game to an even higher level at Tottenham, potentially becoming the focal point of the attack.
Spurs did attempt to lure Mbeumo to north London during the summer, hoping to reunite the Cameroonian with his former manager. However, his preference was a move to Manchester United, where he has since begun to establish himself as a key figure at Old Trafford.
Even so, Semenyo may offer an even greater ceiling. There is a growing sense that he is already outperforming Mbeumo this season, and with Frank’s tactical instruction and trust, he could develop into a more complete and devastating attacker. While Mbeumo enjoyed a standout campaign last year at Brentford, scoring 20 Premier League goals and dominating down the right flank, Semenyo’s current form suggests he is capable of matching — and potentially surpassing — that level.
If Tottenham are serious about accelerating their project and sending a clear message to rivals, investing heavily in their frontline is essential. Bringing in a proven, high-energy attacker with room to grow would signal genuine ambition. Antoine Semenyo fits that brief perfectly and could slot seamlessly into Frank’s system, providing Spurs with the cutting edge they have sorely lacked since Son’s departure.