Frank’s next Mbeumo: Spurs discussing move to sign “world-class” £70m star

Tottenham Gamble with Postecoglou Exit as Thomas Frank Begins New Era and Eyes £70m Pedro Move

Tottenham Hotspur have made a bold and controversial decision this summer by parting ways with head coach Ange Postecoglou, a move that has shocked many in the footballing world. The Australian manager brought long-awaited success to the club by ending their 17-year trophy drought, delivering silverware and a renewed sense of optimism to the fanbase.

Despite that achievement, the Spurs hierarchy was left disappointed by the club’s final league position, which ultimately cost Postecoglou his job. His sacking underscores the cutthroat nature of top-level football management, where even silverware can’t always guarantee job security if domestic league performance falls below expectations.

Into the spotlight now steps Thomas Frank, the charismatic Danish manager who has earned plaudits for his transformative work at Brentford. Spurs moved decisively to appoint Frank on a three-year deal, reportedly paying £10 million in compensation to secure his release from the West London club. With the ink barely dry on his contract, the pressure is already beginning to mount.

Frank inherits a talented yet underperforming squad and a demanding fanbase eager for consistent success. If he is to make an immediate impact and avoid the same fate as his predecessor, he will need to hit the ground running. A strong start to the 2025/26 campaign will be crucial in both re-establishing Spurs among the Premier League’s elite and silencing any early doubters.

To succeed, Frank will require full backing in the transfer market. Chairman Daniel Levy is under pressure to deliver high-calibre signings that match the manager’s tactical vision and ambition. With that in mind, Tottenham have already been linked with several players who could bolster their squad this summer.

One standout target is Xavi Simons, the RB Leipzig midfielder who has lit up European football over the past season. With 11 goals to his name and an array of dazzling performances, the 21-year-old Dutchman is reportedly on Spurs’ radar, with club representatives said to have made early enquiries.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo is another name under consideration, as Spurs look to add pace and directness in the final third. But perhaps the most eye-catching target to emerge is Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro. According to reports from Spurs Web, internal discussions have taken place over a potential move for the Brazilian attacker, who enjoyed an impressive season with the Seagulls.

Pedro, 23, found the net 10 times in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign and is said to be open to a new challenge. Brighton are believed to value the player at around £70 million, and Tottenham could face stiff competition from fellow top-flight sides Newcastle United and Chelsea, both of whom are also admirers of the former Watford star.

Frank’s Familiar Blueprint – Pedro as the New Mbeumo?

During his successful tenure at Brentford, Frank became known for his ability to nurture raw talent and elevate players into Premier League standouts. One of the prime examples of his coaching brilliance is Bryan Mbeumo. Signed from French side Troyes in 2019, Mbeumo evolved into a key figure for the Bees, particularly flourishing under Frank’s tactical system.

The Cameroonian winger enjoyed his most productive season to date in 2024/25, notching 20 goals and catching the eye of several elite clubs. With Tottenham and Manchester United both interested, it now appears that Mbeumo has chosen to link up with the Red Devils, leaving Frank with a void to fill in his attacking line-up.

Enter Joao Pedro.

FBref’s statistical comparison highlights striking similarities between Pedro and Mbeumo, with the Brazilian actually outperforming the Cameroonian in a number of key metrics over the past season. Pedro registered 16 goal contributions in 27 games, averaging 0.74 goals and assists per 90 minutes—slightly better than Mbeumo’s 0.71 across 38 appearances.

Pedro also showcased superior passing accuracy (73% vs 66%), more passes into the final third per 90 (1.9 vs 1.6), and completed more take-ons and aerial duels. These attributes suggest that he could provide not only goals, but creativity, physicality, and tactical flexibility—exactly the qualities Frank values in a forward.

Here’s how the two compared statistically in the 2024/25 Premier League season:

Statistic (per 90) Joao Pedro Bryan Mbeumo

Games Played 27 38
Goals & Assists 16 27
Goals & Assists per 90 0.74 0.71
Pass Accuracy 73% 66%
Passes into Final Third 1.9 1.6
Take-ons Completed 1.4 1.3
Fouls Won 2.1 1.1
Aerial Duels Won 49% 31%

Stats via FBref

It’s clear that Pedro is more than just a goalscorer—he’s a multifaceted attacking asset who could thrive under Frank’s guidance. He has already earned high praise from football journalist Ryan Adsett, who described him as “world-class” following his performances for Brighton.

At £70 million, Pedro would represent a significant investment, but one that could pay dividends if he replicates his Brighton form in a Spurs shirt. With the right service and coaching, he has the potential to become a new fan favourite and a cornerstone of the club’s forward line.

Conclusion: A New Era with Familiar Foundations

As Thomas Frank embarks on his Tottenham journey, he faces both opportunity and pressure in equal measure. The Postecoglou era may have ended abruptly, but with decisive transfer activity and a clear tactical identity, the Dane could very well usher in a new chapter of success for Spurs.

And if Joao Pedro becomes the new Mbeumo, North London may soon be celebrating another attacking star forged in the Frank mould.