Thomas Frank could now hand ‘very good’ Tottenham player a lifeline, he once admitted he’s a big fan
Richarlison Could Be Handed a Fresh Start at Tottenham with Thomas Frank’s Arrival
Tottenham Hotspur could be on the brink of a major squad shake-up following the potential appointment of Thomas Frank as the club’s new head coach. With Ange Postecoglou dismissed earlier this week after a disappointing season, the North London club has reportedly initiated talks with Frank, currently the manager of Brentford, about taking over at the helm.
Should the Danish tactician be appointed, his arrival could breathe new life into the careers of several underperforming players at Spurs — one of whom is Brazilian forward Richarlison. The 27-year-old has endured a frustrating spell at Tottenham, plagued by injuries and inconsistent form since his move from Everton.
Richarlison may find himself with a renewed opportunity to shine under Frank’s leadership, as the Brentford boss is known to be an admirer of the Brazilian international. This development could potentially derail Everton’s ambitions of bringing their former star back to Goodison Park, with reports suggesting the Toffees have already offered him a place in David Moyes’ starting XI for the upcoming campaign.
Frank Has Long Admired Richarlison
Thomas Frank’s appreciation for Richarlison is not new. Following Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Brentford at the start of the 2023/24 season — Ange Postecoglou’s Premier League debut — Frank praised Richarlison and suggested he had the qualities to fill the void left by Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich.
“It was England’s number nine, replaced by Brazil’s number nine,” Frank told reporters after the game. “He’s a very good player, Richarlison, and I back him to score a lot of goals this season.”
Unfortunately, things haven’t gone as planned for Richarlison. Persistent injuries have marred his time in North London, with the forward missing a staggering 37 matches in total. As a result, Tottenham have been open to offers for the attacker, despite his evident potential.
A Proven Track Record in Developing Attackers
Frank’s reputation for improving forwards could be exactly what Richarlison needs to turn his Tottenham career around. At Brentford, Frank played a pivotal role in the development of several attacking talents, including Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, Ollie Watkins, Yoane Wissa, and Kevin Schade — all of whom blossomed under his guidance.
His ability to identify strengths and build confidence in attacking players has not gone unnoticed. Should he make the switch to Tottenham, Richarlison could find himself among a group of attackers primed for revival.
Other players in Spurs’ frontline — such as Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and potentially new signing Dominic Solanke — could also benefit from Frank’s progressive style and man-management.
What This Means for Tottenham’s Attack
Tottenham managed to score 64 goals in the Premier League last season, but the team’s lack of consistency in the final third was a major issue. The introduction of Frank’s tactical acumen and player development expertise could see that tally rise significantly.
There is also speculation that Frank is interested in bringing Bryan Mbeumo with him to North London, though he is expected to face stiff competition from Manchester United for the Cameroonian winger’s signature.
If Frank takes the reins at Spurs, it could mark a turning point for Richarlison. With a manager who believes in him and a system that supports his strengths, the Brazilian could yet become a key figure in Tottenham’s resurgence — much to the disappointment of Everton, who had been eyeing a reunion.
As the managerial situation at Tottenham develops, one thing is clear: the arrival of Thomas Frank could signal a new era for the club — and a second chance for Richarlison to prove his worth in the Premier League.