Thomas Frank overruled as Levy lays groundwork for £70m Tottenham signing
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange are intensifying their push to secure the signature of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo in a deal that could cost the club around £70 million. This ambitious move comes despite incoming manager Thomas Frank reportedly favouring a reunion with his former Brentford winger, Bryan Mbeumo, at his new club in north London.
According to reports, Tottenham face competition from Manchester United for Mbeumo, with the Red Devils already seeing an initial £55 million bid rejected by Brentford last week. The west London club are understood to be holding out for a fee in excess of £60 million for their prized asset, who played a key role in keeping the Bees competitive last season. Despite Frank’s arrival at Spurs fuelling speculation of a potential hijack of United’s move, Mbeumo is said to favour a transfer to Old Trafford, where he believes he will play a more central role in their rebuilding project.
While Mbeumo remains a player of interest, a fresh update from Sky Sports News suggests Tottenham’s recruitment hierarchy has shifted their primary focus elsewhere. The report indicates that Levy and Lange are more committed to landing Semenyo, who they believe is a better tactical fit for the club’s long-term plans. This development suggests that Frank may not get his preferred transfer target, especially with former sporting director Fabio Paratici—now working in an advisory role—offering his own input on recruitment decisions.
Negotiations to bring Semenyo to north London are said to be more advanced than discussions for Mbeumo, putting Spurs in pole position to snap up the 25-year-old Ghanaian international. Semenyo, who has also been linked with Manchester United and Liverpool, is reportedly keen to join a club playing Champions League football—giving Tottenham a clear edge over their Premier League rivals in the race for his signature.
Semenyo’s Fit at Tottenham – A Versatile Weapon for the New Era
Antoine Semenyo enjoyed a standout 2024/25 campaign with Bournemouth, netting 13 goals and registering seven assists in 42 appearances across all competitions. Under Andoni Iraola, he was instrumental in guiding the Cherries to an impressive ninth-place finish in the Premier League, earning widespread praise for his dynamic displays in the final third.
One of Semenyo’s most attractive attributes is his versatility. He was deployed almost equally across both wings last season, splitting his time between the left and right flanks. This positional flexibility makes him a valuable asset for any attacking setup, and particularly appealing to a club like Spurs, who are undergoing a transition under a new head coach.
At Tottenham, Semenyo could serve as a direct replacement for club captain Son Heung-min, should the South Korean opt to leave following the controversial sacking of Ange Postecoglou. Son has been left deeply unsettled by the managerial upheaval and continues to be linked with a possible exit this summer.
Alternatively, Semenyo could slot in on the right flank, potentially challenging Brennan Johnson for a starting role. Johnson, despite finishing the season as Tottenham’s top scorer and a key figure in their Europa League triumph, often drew criticism for his inconsistency and lack of impact in certain games. While his goal tally impressed, many fans and pundits alike felt his overall contribution to the team needed refinement.
In contrast, Semenyo brings a more well-rounded attacking profile. Known for his blistering pace, explosive dribbling, and composed finishing, he adds a different dimension to Spurs’ forward line. Though predominantly left-footed, the Ghana international is comfortable using both feet, making him an unpredictable threat in one-on-one situations and an ideal fit for a fluid front three.
Even if Semenyo is not Thomas Frank’s first-choice signing, his arrival would undoubtedly bolster Tottenham’s attacking arsenal. He offers both immediate impact and long-term potential, qualities that Levy, Lange, and Paratici clearly value as they aim to reestablish Spurs as serious contenders in both domestic and European competitions.
In the coming weeks, Tottenham fans can expect further developments as the club looks to finalize a marquee attacking addition—one that could define the first phase of Thomas Frank’s tenure, even if it’s not the player he initially had in mind.