Tottenham’s possible starting XI under Thomas Frank as £108m wingers sign
Thomas Frank Appointed Tottenham Manager: What to Expect From the Danish Tactician’s First Transfer Window and Starting XI
After weeks of swirling rumors and mounting speculation, it’s now official—Thomas Frank has been appointed the new head coach of Tottenham Hotspur. The Danish manager leaves Brentford after a highly successful seven-year tenure, during which he transformed the West London club into an established Premier League side known for tactical discipline, strategic recruitment, and punching above their financial weight.
Now stepping into a more high-profile role, Frank takes the reins in north London as Spurs look to reassert themselves among the Premier League’s elite and mount a strong Champions League campaign. With his appointment confirmed, all eyes are on how Frank will reshape the Tottenham squad during the summer transfer window.
Building a New Era at Spurs
At 51, Frank brings a wealth of experience and is lauded for his keen eye for talent and ability to make the most of limited resources. Tottenham, however, will offer him more substantial financial backing compared to what he had at Brentford—though he’ll still be expected to spend wisely.
While there have been whispers of a dramatic late attempt to hijack Bryan Mbeumo’s rumored move to Manchester United, such a scenario currently seems far-fetched. Instead, Spurs are reportedly evaluating a wide range of targets as they prepare for a busy summer window. Frank is expected to stick with his tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 formation, which helped Brentford maintain their Premier League status and play an effective brand of football.
Goalkeeper: Vicario Set to Remain No.1
Despite some speculation about a goalkeeper reunion with Mark Flekken, who worked under Frank at Brentford, that idea has already been ruled out. Flekken is on his way to Bayer Leverkusen in July, removing any doubt. As a result, Guglielmo Vicario is set to retain his position between the posts, especially after proving his quality prior to his injury setback last season.
Defense: Stability With Room for Depth
Back Four: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie
Frank is unlikely to make major changes to Tottenham’s defensive setup, which already boasts solid talent and chemistry. The centre-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven looks poised to continue, assuming both remain healthy and Romero stays put amid links to Atletico Madrid.
Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie, both of whom played key roles in Spurs’ Europa League triumph last season, are expected to continue in the full-back positions. That said, Djed Spence, returning from loan, could challenge either player and offer much-needed depth in wide defensive areas.
One of Frank’s key tasks will be tightening up a defense that has shown vulnerability to counterattacks. His past success with organized defensive structures at Brentford will be vital here.
Midfield: Danish Link Could Shape Engine Room
Midfield Duo: Rodrigo Bentancur, Morten Hjulmand
Tottenham’s midfield could see one notable new arrival in the form of Morten Hjulmand, the Danish enforcer who impressed with Sporting CP last season. Hjulmand is not only a strong ball-winner but also possesses the technical skill to contribute to build-up play and threaten from long range—traits that make him an ideal fit for Frank’s balanced midfield philosophy.
A partnership between Hjulmand and Rodrigo Bentancur, a dynamic and intelligent midfielder, could offer Spurs the ideal blend of steel and creativity in the center of the park.
Attack: Ambition Shines Through Transfer Targets
Attacking Midfield Trio: Eberechi Eze, Dejan Kulusevski, Antoine Semenyo
Should Frank and the Tottenham board pull off their rumored transfer ambitions, Spurs fans could see an exciting and revitalized front line. Crystal Palace’s star Eberechi Eze is high on the club’s wishlist, and rightly so. With a reported £68 million release clause and interest from Manchester United, securing the attacking midfielder would be a statement of intent. However, Tottenham’s Champions League qualification could be a decisive factor, giving them the upper hand over clubs without European football.
On the right, Dejan Kulusevski remains a key figure and is expected to keep his place in the starting XI. Meanwhile, Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth has emerged as another target. Reports suggest that discussions between Semenyo’s representatives and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy have already taken place. Although his current valuation sits around £40 million, Bournemouth are unlikely to let him go cheaply, especially with a contract running through 2029.
Striker: Solanke vs. Wissa?
Striker: Dominic Solanke
Up front, Dominic Solanke could find himself under pressure as rumors swirl about a possible reunion between Frank and his former player Yoane Wissa. However, given Brentford’s probable reluctance to let multiple key players follow Frank out the door, such a transfer may not materialize immediately.
That said, Solanke’s relentless work rate and ability to lead the line—hallmarks of Frank’s preferred striker profile—may convince the new boss to stick with the Bournemouth man, at least for now.
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Projected Starting XI Under Thomas Frank (4-2-3-1):
Vicario;
Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie;
Bentancur, Hjulmand;
Eze, Kulusevski, Semenyo;
Solanke
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As Spurs fans begin to embrace a new chapter under Thomas Frank, the summer transfer window promises to be crucial. With a blend of familiar Premier League faces and smart, strategic signings, Tottenham’s next evolution could be just around the corner—and the Dane at the helm may prove to be the perfect architect.