Tottenham’s best line-up after window shuts, Kolo Muani starts, but talent Harry Redknapp rates omitted
Thomas Frank Faces Big Decisions After Tottenham Pulls Off Sensational Randal Kolo Muani Signing
Thomas Frank has some huge decisions to make as he looks to shape his best Tottenham Hotspur XI for the new season. Spurs shocked the football world by securing the loan signing of French international Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain – a transfer few saw coming.
The North London side have enjoyed one of their busiest and most ambitious summer windows in recent memory, with Kolo Muani joining the likes of Xavi Simons, Joao Palhinha, Mohammed Kudus, and rising Japanese talent Kota Takai in making the switch to Hotspur Way. The influx of fresh faces has left Frank with both excitement and selection dilemmas ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Kolo Muani to Lead the Line
One of the biggest questions revolves around Tottenham’s frontline. Until deadline day, Spurs were set to rely heavily on Richarlison and Dominic Solanke as their main striking options. Both players, however, have a worrying history of injuries and inconsistency.
Kolo Muani’s arrival changes everything. The French forward, who can play centrally as a number nine or drift wide, looks destined to become the focal point of Frank’s attack. His speed, technical ability, and Champions League experience could give Spurs the edge they’ve lacked since Harry Kane’s departure. Early indications suggest he may even start ahead of Richarlison and Solanke, immediately cementing himself as Tottenham’s go-to striker.
Xavi Simons Adds Spark in Midfield
Another eye-catching addition is Xavi Simons, who arrived on loan from RB Leipzig. The Dutch playmaker is widely tipped to become one of the signings of the summer. With his creativity and flair, he is expected to slot straight into the number ten role, operating just behind Kolo Muani.
Having a player of Simons’ calibre could prove transformative for Spurs, providing the creativity that has sometimes been missing in their attacking build-up.
Midfield Options: Palhinha & Sarr
In midfield, Joao Palhinha’s signing from Fulham adds steel, leadership, and Premier League experience. The Portuguese enforcer is likely to partner Pape Matar Sarr, giving Tottenham a balanced mix of physicality and energy.
Highly-rated youngster Lucas Bergvall, who recently earned praise from Harry Redknapp, may find himself just outside the first-choice XI for now. However, Frank will almost certainly rotate across a long season, and Bergvall’s chance to shine will come.
Left-Wing Conundrum
One area that remains unresolved is the left-wing spot. Tottenham failed to land a new natural option in the window, leaving Brennan Johnson, Mathys Tel, and Wilson Odobert competing for the role.
The club will be hoping Tel and Odobert – both French and still developing – step up and prove their worth after underwhelming debut seasons in North London. Johnson, meanwhile, remains a reliable, hard-working alternative.
Dejan Kulusevski’s Return Could Be Crucial
A major boost will come once Dejan Kulusevski makes his long-awaited return from injury. The Swedish star was one of Spurs’ most influential players last season before a knee injury against Crystal Palace cut his campaign short.
Although his exact return date remains uncertain, Kulusevski revealed in June that he was ahead of schedule. His versatility, with the ability to play both on the right and centrally as a number ten, could be a huge weapon for Frank later in the season.
Predicted Tottenham XI 2025/26
Based on the summer arrivals and Frank’s likely tactical setup, here’s how Tottenham’s strongest team could line up:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Guglielmo Vicario
RB: Pedro Porro
CBs: Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven
LB: Destiny Udogie
CMs: Joao Palhinha, Pape Matar Sarr
RW: Dejan Kulusevski (once fit)
CAM: Xavi Simons
LW: Mathys Tel / Brennan Johnson
ST: Randal Kolo Muani
With a strengthened squad, exciting new arrivals, and key players returning from injury, Tottenham look better prepared than in recent years. Now, the question is whether Frank can find the right balance and finally lead Spurs back into Champions League contention.