Tottenham have now decided not to sign “beautiful” player after internal talks
Tottenham Pull Out of Signing Star Amid Internal U-Turn as Thomas Frank Faces Champions League Squad Dilemma
Tottenham Hotspur are now expected to miss out on signing a highly-rated player this summer following a significant internal change of heart at the club. The decision could have far-reaching implications as new head coach Thomas Frank prepares for his inaugural season in charge — one that comes with heightened expectations and serious pressure.
Spurs are aiming to build on their historic triumph over Manchester United in the Europa League final at the close of the 2024/25 campaign — a monumental achievement that ended a 17-year wait for silverware and delivered their first European trophy since lifting the UEFA Cup in 1984. That victory not only brought long-overdue success but also secured Champions League qualification, raising the stakes considerably for the North London club heading into the new season.
Frank, who joins from Brentford, is set to face one of the most challenging periods of his managerial career. It marks his first experience leading a club with Champions League ambitions and competing across multiple fronts, including the Premier League, domestic cups, and now Europe’s elite competition. The Danish tactician, widely admired for his tactical intelligence and man-management skills, is now tasked with handling the pressures that come with managing a so-called ‘big six’ club.
With the bar raised, there’s growing belief that Frank needs full support from Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and the board if he is to hit the ground running. However, many supporters have been left underwhelmed by the club’s relatively quiet summer transfer window so far.
Tottenham have made only two senior signings to date. Japanese centre-back Kota Takai completed a £5 million move from Kawasaki Frontale on Tuesday morning, adding some depth to the defensive line. Meanwhile, French starlet Mathys Tel’s loan was made permanent in a deal worth around £30 million — a promising move, but still not the kind of statement signing fans had hoped would mark the beginning of a new era under Frank.
That said, there is still hope that Spurs will land a marquee player this summer. The club is currently in advanced talks with West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, who is reportedly eager to make the switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kudus, 24, is seen as an ideal addition to the attacking ranks. Known for his explosiveness, creativity, and dribbling ability, only Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku averaged more successful take-ons in the Premier League last season, according to WhoScored.
Should Spurs secure Kudus’ signature, it would be a major coup for Frank and provide him with an additional attacking threat capable of breaking down even the most resolute defences.
Despite this potential attacking reinforcement, Tottenham are facing another issue that has emerged due to UEFA regulations for Champions League squad registration. In order to submit a full 25-man A-list squad, clubs must name at least eight ‘locally trained’ players — those who spent three years at an English club before the age of 21. If they fail to meet this requirement, their squad size is reduced accordingly.
This stipulation had prompted serious discussions within the Spurs hierarchy about bringing back a familiar face in Kyle Walker-Peters. A product of the Tottenham academy, the 28-year-old became a free agent this summer after leaving Southampton, where he made over 200 appearances and developed into a dependable Premier League full-back. Widely tipped by several outlets as a likely signing last month, the versatile defender was said to be open to returning to his boyhood club.
Walker-Peters’ return was seen as a potential solution to the homegrown quota dilemma. However, according to a new report from The Telegraph, Spurs have now decided against re-signing him following internal deliberations. The club appears reluctant to bring in a player solely for administrative purposes, particularly when they already boast significant depth in the full-back positions.
With Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie, and Ben Davies all competing for starting spots in the wide defensive areas, there is arguably little room for another full-back in the squad — no matter how capable he may be. Despite glowing praise from former Southampton manager Russell Martin, who described Walker-Peters as a “beautiful footballer,” Tottenham seem to have concluded that re-signing him would not be the best move from a sporting or financial perspective.
This internal U-turn, however, leaves Frank with a headache. Without enough locally trained players to fill the UEFA quota, Spurs could be forced to go into the Champions League campaign with a trimmed-down senior squad — a risky proposition given the intense fixture demands and injury risks associated with top-level competition.
In summary, Tottenham’s hesitance in the transfer market, their decision to pass on a homegrown talent like Walker-Peters, and their need to juggle squad registration requirements are creating a complex situation for Thomas Frank. With the new season fast approaching, and Champions League football on the horizon, all eyes will be on Spurs to see if they can find solutions — both on and off the pitch — to support their new manager in what could be a defining campaign.