Tottenham’s possible starting XI under Thomas Frank as £108m wingers sign
After weeks filled with rumours and anticipation, Thomas Frank has officially been appointed as the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur. The Danish coach makes the move to north London following an impressive seven-year spell at Brentford, where he earned widespread acclaim as one of the most astute tactical minds in English football. His ability to maximize resources and develop competitive teams on modest budgets has been particularly noted, making him a promising fit for Tottenham’s ambitions.
Now that Frank’s arrival has been confirmed, the focus inevitably shifts to the upcoming summer transfer window and which players the new manager will pursue to bolster Spurs’ squad. At 51 years old, Frank is expected to be entrusted with a healthy budget to strengthen the team as they prepare for a challenging Champions League campaign. This financial backing would represent a step up from his time at Brentford, where he famously operated under tighter constraints.
Despite swirling rumours in recent days, the possibility of Tottenham hijacking Bryan Mbeumo’s transfer to Manchester United in a dramatic last-minute move appears to have faded. However, Spurs remain linked with several other promising targets who could reshape the team’s lineup.
Express Sport has compiled a potential starting eleven that Frank may field next season, likely continuing with the 4-2-3-1 formation that proved effective during his tenure at Brentford.
Goalkeeper Situation:
The speculation about Mark Flekken following Frank to Tottenham has been put to rest, as the Dutch goalkeeper has already agreed to join Bayer Leverkusen in July. Meanwhile, after missing significant time due to injury last season, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario looks set to retain his position as Spurs’ first-choice keeper under Frank’s leadership.
Defensive Line:
Frank is not expected to make sweeping changes in defense. Cristian Romero appears increasingly likely to stay at Tottenham despite persistent links to Atletico Madrid. If he remains, he should start alongside Micky van de Ven at the heart of the back four, assuming both players remain fit and free from injury.
The full-back positions could be occupied by Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie, both of whom featured in Tottenham’s recent Europa League final victory. However, Djed Spence is set to provide strong competition on the flanks, ensuring healthy competition for places.
Midfield Engine:
One of Frank’s key challenges will be shoring up Tottenham’s defensive midfield, an area that has been vulnerable in recent campaigns. The acquisition of Morten Hjulmand would be a significant step towards addressing this weakness. The 25-year-old Danish midfielder impressed last season with Sporting CP, excelling not only at disrupting opposition attacks but also demonstrating excellent passing range and a dangerous long shot.
Given his nationality, Hjulmand may be particularly motivated to join a side managed by a fellow Dane. He could form a potent midfield partnership alongside Uruguay international Rodrigo Bentancur, combining defensive solidity with creative distribution.
Attacking Options:
To convince sceptical Spurs supporters of the new regime’s potential, Frank will likely need to secure some high-profile attacking additions. Two names currently linked with Tottenham are Eberechi Eze and Antoine Semenyo, with Spurs anticipated to intensify their pursuit when the transfer window officially opens on June 16.
Eze, the Crystal Palace midfielder celebrated for his heroics in their FA Cup run, reportedly has a release clause around £68 million. Although other clubs such as Manchester United have shown interest, Spurs can offer the lure of Champions League football — an advantage that Palace’s Ruben Amorim cannot match.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo has also attracted Tottenham’s attention. According to talkSPORT, representatives of the player have already met with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to discuss a potential move. While transfermarkt values Semenyo at around £40 million, Bournemouth will likely demand a premium given that his contract runs until 2029.
Striking Role:
Up front, Dominic Solanke may feel some pressure with reports suggesting Frank might look to bring Yoane Wissa along from Brentford. Nevertheless, Solanke’s work ethic and pressing ability are traits highly valued by the Dane and could secure his place in the squad.
Projected Starting XI Under Thomas Frank:
Vicario in goal; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, and Udogie forming the defensive line; Bentancur and Hjulmand controlling midfield; with Eze, Kulusevski, and Semenyo providing creativity and flair behind striker Solanke.
As Tottenham embark on this new chapter with Thomas Frank at the helm, much excitement and expectation surrounds how he will imprint his tactical philosophy and transform the squad. The summer transfer window promises to be crucial in setting the foundation for Spurs’ ambitions both domestically and in Europe.