Spurs open talks to sign £26m star who Marinakis wants at Forest, Kudus would love him
Thomas Frank could hardly have scripted a better start to his tenure as Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach than the one he experienced on Saturday afternoon. In his very first Premier League match in charge, Spurs cruised past newly promoted Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, delivering both a result and a performance that will have filled supporters with optimism for the campaign ahead.
On paper, the fixture was always likely to favour Spurs. Historically, teams who earn promotion often struggle on the opening weekend of the Premier League, and the statistics prove it: the last six promoted sides have all ended up going straight back down. Burnley’s trip to North London, therefore, represented a golden opportunity for Frank to stamp his authority on his debut, and his players did not let him down.
Richarlison’s statement performance
One of the biggest pre-match talking points was Frank’s decision to start Richarlison ahead of summer signing Dominic Solanke in the central striker role. The Brazilian repaid his manager’s faith in emphatic style, scoring twice, including a spectacular overhead kick that lit up the contest and underlined his ability to thrive as a number nine.
For Richarlison, this was more than just a brace of goals—it was a statement of intent. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued his time at Spurs so far, but if he can stay fit under Frank, he has the potential to become the club’s focal point in attack. His explosive performance reminded the fanbase that there is a genuine match-winner within their ranks, one capable of carrying the goalscoring burden in this new era.
Mohammed Kudus makes an instant impact
Richarlison wasn’t the only standout performer. New signing Mohammed Kudus, who arrived earlier in the summer from West Ham United for £55 million, wasted no time in showcasing the qualities that made Spurs fight hard for his signature.
Deployed on the right of a front three alongside Richarlison and Brennan Johnson, the Ghanaian international tormented Burnley’s defence with his fearless dribbling and relentless directness. Kudus created both of Richarlison’s goals, including the sublime assist for the overhead kick, which came after he skipped past his marker with a deft touch before delivering a pinpoint cross with his weaker right foot.
The statistics highlight just how effective he was. In just 85 minutes, Kudus created five chances—more than he managed on average per game throughout his time at West Ham last season, when he only registered three Premier League assists in total. This suggests Spurs may already be unlocking his true creative potential. Having also produced three chances in the recent UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Kudus looks primed to be Frank’s chief creator on the right flank throughout the campaign.
Getting the best out of Kudus
Of course, individual brilliance alone won’t sustain Spurs across an entire season. The onus now falls on Frank to ensure Kudus consistently receives the ball in dangerous areas. At West Ham, Kudus was often isolated, forced to carry the ball from deep rather than being supplied in advanced positions. In Spurs’ more attacking setup, with a system geared toward fluid forward play, he appears better placed to thrive.
To maximise Kudus’ impact, Spurs may need reinforcements in key areas—most notably at right-back. That brings us to Tottenham’s latest transfer link.
Spurs eye Rico Lewis as potential signing
According to reports from The Boot Room, Tottenham are among several clubs showing interest in Manchester City’s versatile young full-back Rico Lewis. Intermediaries have reportedly contacted a number of Premier League sides—including Spurs, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, and Brighton—to signal that the England international could be available this summer.
Manchester City are keen to keep Lewis and have offered him a new contract, but the 20-year-old is said to be considering his future and will hold talks with Pep Guardiola before the month ends. Nottingham Forest have already had a £25.8 million bid rejected, leaving the door open for Spurs if they wish to make a move.
Why Lewis could be the missing link
For Tottenham, Lewis could prove to be an ideal addition, particularly in terms of building a partnership with Kudus. While he primarily plays at right-back, the City academy graduate has also shown his adaptability in midfield, displaying composure, vision, and technical quality that belie his age.
Lewis’ ability to progress the ball and link play could give Kudus the consistent service he needs to shine. Spurs’ current right-back option, Pedro Porro, is attack-minded but can be inconsistent in possession. Comparisons of their respective statistics over the past 12 months suggest Lewis is more efficient and progressive with the ball, making him a more reliable supplier for wide attackers.
Guardiola himself has previously described Lewis as “exceptional,” and his assist for Erling Haaland in City’s win over Wolves last weekend demonstrated his creative potential. For Spurs, securing Lewis would not only add depth and quality to their defensive ranks but also unlock an extra dimension to their attack down the right-hand side.
Looking ahead
All in all, Frank’s Spurs reign could not have had a brighter opening. Richarlison has set the tone with a talismanic display, Kudus has shown signs of being a game-changer, and the club’s recruitment team continues to push for reinforcements that could elevate the squad further.
The potential arrival of Lewis, coupled with the existing attacking firepower, suggests Tottenham are building a side capable of exciting their supporters once again. After the misery of last season’s 17th-placed finish, there is now a palpable sense of hope around North London that under Frank, Spurs can rediscover their competitive edge in the Premier League.