£22m target gearing up to accept Spurs’ last-gasp offer to join, Kudus would love him
When Thomas Frank was appointed as Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach earlier this summer, few could have predicted just how quickly he would stamp his authority on the team. Yet, just weeks into his tenure, the Danish tactician has already overseen a dream start to the 2025/26 campaign, giving Spurs fans a glimpse of a bright future.
The Lilywhites have collected maximum points from their opening two Premier League fixtures, scoring five goals while maintaining back-to-back clean sheets—already equaling a third of their shutouts from the previous season. It has been a start full of discipline, energy, and tactical clarity, the kind that many supporters had been craving.
The highlight of this early run undoubtedly came at the Etihad Stadium, where Spurs stunned reigning champions Manchester City with a controlled and clinical performance. Frank’s men limited Pep Guardiola’s side to very few chances, securing a statement victory that not only boosted confidence within the squad but also sent a message to the rest of the league.
But while Spurs are flying on the pitch, Frank is not content to rest on early success. The 51-year-old knows that to compete across a long and demanding season, his squad still needs additional reinforcements—particularly in creative midfield areas, especially after losing out on Eberechi Eze to fierce rivals Arsenal.
Spurs’ Ongoing Search for a New Playmaker
The hunt for a long-term attacking midfielder continues to dominate Tottenham’s transfer strategy. Over the past week, the club tabled a bold £61 million bid for Argentine talent Nico Paz of Como, signaling their intent to bring in a marquee creator. However, that approach was swiftly rejected by the Italian side, with Paz opting to remain under the guidance of Cesc Fàbregas for now.
This setback has forced Spurs to quickly pivot toward other options, and attention has now turned once more to Leicester City’s highly-rated Bilal El Khannouss. Reports suggest that the 21-year-old is expected to leave the Foxes before the transfer window closes, with a fee in the region of £22 million being discussed.
Initially tipped to join Crystal Palace, El Khannouss is now seriously considering Tottenham’s interest, with suggestions that the north Londoners could be in pole position to secure his signature. According to GIVEMESPORT, there is “a serious possibility” that he will favor Spurs over Palace, a decision expected within days.
Why El Khannouss Could Be the Key to Unlocking Kudus
Earlier in the window, Tottenham pulled off one of the most eye-catching deals of the summer by signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United in a £55 million transfer. Kudus has already become central to Frank’s tactical blueprint, starting both of Spurs’ opening league fixtures. While he has yet to find the net, the Ghanaian has already contributed two assists—both coming in the dominant win over Burnley.
Kudus’ versatility, direct running, and flair in the final third have made him an instant fan favorite. But many believe his best football is still to come—and that a creative partner like El Khannouss could elevate him even further.
Despite Leicester’s relegation, El Khannouss impressed with his ability to dictate attacking play. Analytics highlight his strengths: he ranked in the 90th percentile for passes into the final third (3.7 per 90) and the 86th percentile for progressive passes (5.3). Those numbers suggest he has the vision and precision to consistently supply players like Kudus in dangerous areas.
Beyond his passing range, the Moroccan also excels in carrying the ball forward, completing 57% of his attempted take-ons and averaging 1.9 carries into the final third per game. He combined this with tangible output, recording five goal contributions in last season’s Premier League—a solid return for a 21-year-old in a struggling side.
Pairing Kudus’ dynamism with El Khannouss’ creativity could transform Spurs’ attack into one of the most dangerous units in the league, offering a balance of invention and explosiveness that has often been missing in recent years.
A Crucial Few Days for Spurs
As the September 1st deadline looms, Spurs’ recruitment team faces a critical juncture. Arsenal’s hijacking of the Eze deal served as a painful reminder that hesitation in the transfer market can be costly. With Palace circling and other clubs monitoring El Khannouss, Tottenham must act decisively to land their man.
Should they succeed, it could prove to be a shrewd bargain at £22 million—especially in today’s inflated market. More importantly, it would arm Thomas Frank with the tools to push Kudus to even greater heights and keep Spurs’ early-season momentum rolling well into the campaign.
For now, optimism is high in north London. Two wins, five goals, and zero conceded have marked a perfect beginning. But with the right signing or two, this promising new era under Thomas Frank might just be getting started.