Frank’s answer to Bale: Spurs make “generational” £70m ace their top target
Thomas Frank Eyes Attacking Reinforcements as Kudus Emerges as Spurs’ Priority Target
Thomas Frank has never been short of attacking brilliance during his managerial career, and as he begins a new chapter at Tottenham Hotspur, the Danish tactician is hoping to replicate that same attacking flair in North London. Known for nurturing and developing top-class forwards, Frank played a pivotal role in the rise of Brentford stars such as Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, and Yoane Wissa. The trio stand as the club’s all-time top scorers in the Premier League era, a testament to Frank’s keen eye for offensive talent.
Toney secured a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia last summer, while Mbeumo is now also expected to depart. A £70 million transfer to Manchester United is reportedly nearing completion, with the Cameroonian international poised to link up with Ruben Amorim’s ambitious project at Old Trafford. Frank had attempted to bring Mbeumo with him to Tottenham, but the winger ultimately chose a different path, prioritizing a move to United over reuniting with his former coach.
With those avenues closed, the challenge now facing Frank is clear: to find a new marquee attacker capable of lighting up the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The club’s new manager is already making an impression in the transfer market, and Tottenham’s pursuit of offensive reinforcements has rapidly intensified in recent weeks.
Spurs’ Transfer Window Heats Up – Semenyo and Kudus on the Radar
Earlier in the summer, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo had been identified as a major target for Spurs. There was genuine belief within the club hierarchy that a bid of around £65 million might be enough to lure the Ghanaian forward away from the Vitality Stadium. However, hopes of landing Semenyo were dashed when the 24-year-old committed his future to Bournemouth, signing a new five-year contract that ties him to the club until 2030.
That setback has prompted Tottenham to shift their focus toward alternative options, with one name now dominating discussions behind the scenes – Mohammed Kudus. The West Ham United forward has rapidly emerged as the club’s top target this summer. According to reports from CaughtOffside, the Ghanaian international has become Frank’s preferred signing, despite an £85 million release clause embedded in his current contract.
Crucially, Spurs’ hierarchy are fully supportive of Frank’s vision. The board reportedly sees Kudus not just as a tactical fit, but as a statement acquisition – someone capable of transforming their attacking play and generating excitement among the fanbase. While West Ham remain firm in their valuation, there is belief that a deal could be struck for around £70 million, bringing Kudus across London in what would be a high-profile and potentially transformative move.
Could Kudus Be Tottenham’s Modern-Day Gareth Bale?
Many Spurs fans still reminisce about the magic Gareth Bale brought to the pitch during his iconic spell at the club. Originally signed from Southampton as a left-back in 2007, Bale’s reinvention as a rampaging right-sided forward unlocked his full potential. Between 2010 and 2013, he scored 50 goals and delivered 26 assists, performances that eventually earned him an £85 million move to Real Madrid – a then world-record fee.
In the years since Bale’s departure, Tottenham have struggled to find a player capable of replicating his game-changing impact from the right wing. Mohammed Kudus, however, might just be the answer. Much like Bale, the Ghanaian is known for his ability to cut inside from the right and unleash dangerous efforts with his stronger left foot. His combination of flair, pace, and technical ability makes him a constant threat in the final third.
Kudus’ stats from the 2024/25 Premier League season underscore his quality:
Statistic (per 90 minutes) Figure
Games played 32
Goals & assists 8
Shot on target accuracy 28%
Pass accuracy 84%
Take-ons completed 3.2
Carries into final third 2.1
Carries into opposition box 1.5
Fouls won 2.2
(Source: FBref)
His take-ons per 90 (3.2) highlight his ability to drive past defenders, while his 1.5 carries into the box per game show he’s adept at creating dangerous moments near goal. Add to that his ability to draw fouls and retain possession, and it’s easy to see why he’s considered a “generational” talent by journalist Gary Al-Smith.
Kudus doesn’t only score or assist – he disrupts defensive structures, stretches the play, and opens up opportunities for teammates. His 28% shot accuracy indicates a willingness to shoot when the opportunity arises, and with 84% pass completion, he’s equally reliable when it comes to build-up play.
The Verdict: A Game-Changer for Frank’s Project
Mohammed Kudus is more than just a flashy attacking option – he represents a long-term investment with the potential to become one of the Premier League’s most electrifying talents. At just 24 years old, he still has plenty of room to grow under the right guidance, and Thomas Frank could be the perfect coach to bring out his best.
If Tottenham manage to secure his signature, it could mark a pivotal turning point in the club’s trajectory. A player of Kudus’ calibre would not only lift the level of the current squad but also reenergize a fanbase eager to see a new attacking talisman step into the spotlight.
And if Kudus can replicate even a fraction of what Gareth Bale achieved in North London, Spurs fans may well look back at this summer as the moment when the club’s next era of attacking greatness truly began.