Spurs have already struck gold on “incredible” star who’s worth more than Kudus & Eze – opinion
There is a cautious but growing sense of optimism beginning to spread around Tottenham Hotspur this summer, as Thomas Frank prepares to lead the club into what many hope will be a new and more stable era in the 2025/26 campaign. The Danish coach, who arrived in North London following a turbulent period at Spurs, has already had his share of challenges both on and off the pitch in his first few months in charge.
While the pre-season has provided glimpses of promise, Frank has also been handed some significant setbacks. Spurs suffered heartbreak earlier this week in the UEFA Super Cup final, losing to the Champions League winners despite holding a two-goal advantage with only minutes left to play. It was a harsh reminder of the fine margins at the top level and how much work remains to be done if Tottenham are to turn themselves into a side capable of consistently competing with Europe’s elite.
On top of that disappointment, Frank has been dealt an even bigger blow with the devastating news that playmaker James Maddison will miss the vast majority of the upcoming Premier League season. The England international sustained a serious ACL injury during a pre-season clash with Newcastle United, stripping Spurs of their most natural creative outlet in midfield.
Maddison’s absence is particularly painful given the club’s failed pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the window. Spurs came close to striking a deal, but talks collapsed and Gibbs-White now remains at the City Ground, leaving Tottenham to reflect on what might have been. As a result, Frank has been openly searching for a new No.10 to fill the void, admitting only on Friday that it is an area of the pitch the club must urgently strengthen.
Spurs’ midfield creativity conundrum
One solution could already be within the squad. Tottenham completed a £55m deal for Mohammed Kudus earlier this summer, prising him away from London rivals West Ham United. The Ghanaian international, primarily known as a right-winger, showcased his versatility at the Hammers last season by often featuring as a central attacking midfielder. He has even played as a centre-forward at times, a trait he demonstrated once again in Spurs’ Super Cup clash with PSG.
Kudus may therefore become the natural candidate to slot into Maddison’s role, providing a temporary answer to Spurs’ crisis in the attacking midfield department. Yet Frank and the hierarchy remain keen to explore other options in the market. Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has been monitored closely throughout the window, and the 27-year-old has already made clear his desire to test himself at a higher level, with Spurs high on his list of destinations. Palace are believed to be holding out for around £60m, while Arsenal are also monitoring the situation. If Spurs were to secure Eze’s services on top of Kudus’ arrival, it would represent another statement of intent from Daniel Levy and the recruitment team as they seek to build on last season’s Europa League triumph.
Rising value of Tottenham’s young attackers
While external reinforcements are being considered, Spurs can also take confidence from the development of some of their own young attacking talent. Brennan Johnson, who cost £47.5m from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023, etched his name into club folklore by scoring the decisive goal in the Europa League final against Manchester United. His continued growth remains a vital part of Frank’s long-term project.
Another name generating excitement is Mathys Tel. Initially signed on loan from Bayern Munich in January, the French forward impressed during his 20 appearances, netting three goals, including one on his full debut in the FA Cup against Aston Villa. At just 20 years old, Tel is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest prospects, and Tottenham made the bold decision to secure him permanently for £30m at the start of the window. He has since signed a six-year deal, underlining the club’s belief in his long-term potential.
Despite missing a crucial penalty in the Super Cup shootout, Tel’s stock continues to rise. The CIES Football Observatory now values him at around €75m (£65m), more than double the fee Spurs paid just weeks ago. This valuation places him above both the cost of Kudus and the potential price tag of Eze, a reflection of his rapid development and the enormous potential many scouts believe he possesses.
Praised as “incredible” by respected talent scout Jacek Kulig, Tel could prove to be one of the bargains of the summer if he continues to improve under Frank’s guidance. His versatility across the front line offers Spurs valuable tactical flexibility, and with the right coaching, he could become a cornerstone of the club’s attack for years to come.
A season of challenges and opportunity
As the new campaign approaches, Tottenham find themselves at a crossroads. Frank must contend with the immediate problem of replacing Maddison’s creativity, while also bedding in new signings and continuing to develop the exciting crop of young talent at his disposal. There will undoubtedly be setbacks along the way, but there is also a real sense that Spurs are beginning to move in the right direction, laying the foundations for a team capable of competing on multiple fronts.
For now, cautious optimism is the mood around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. If Frank can navigate the challenges of his debut season and integrate both established stars and emerging youngsters into a cohesive unit, the 2025/26 campaign could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the club’s long pursuit of sustained success.