£22m target gearing up to accept Spurs’ last-gasp offer to join, Kudus would love him – opinion
Thomas Frank’s Spurs revolution gathers pace amid transfer hunt for Bilal El Khannouss
When Thomas Frank was unveiled as Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach earlier this summer, few could have predicted just how smoothly the Danish tactician’s reign would begin. Spurs, who were coming off the back of another turbulent campaign, have immediately embraced Frank’s philosophy and the results have been striking.
The standout moment so far came at the Etihad Stadium, where Spurs secured a memorable victory over Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side, usually dominant in their own backyard, were frustrated and contained by a well-drilled Tottenham unit. It was the type of win that signaled Frank’s arrival on the Premier League stage as more than just a steady hand – but as a coach capable of producing big results against elite opposition.
Yet, for all the early promise, Frank is under no illusions that his squad still requires further reinforcements if they are to compete consistently at the highest level. Missing out on Eberechi Eze – who chose Arsenal over Spurs – was a frustrating blow, but the club’s recruitment team has remained proactive in scouring Europe for attacking midfield talent before the transfer window closes on September 1.
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Tottenham’s search for a creative spark
One of the most telling indicators of Spurs’ intent came when they lodged a £61 million bid for Como sensation Nico Paz. The Argentine youngster, who has been making waves in Serie A, was identified as a marquee target capable of providing creativity and flair in the final third. However, Como, led by manager Cesc Fàbregas, wasted little time in rejecting the approach. Paz himself is believed to be content with staying in Italy for now, ending Spurs’ hopes of pulling off what would have been a headline-grabbing signing.
With that setback, attention quickly shifted back to a name already familiar to Spurs scouts: Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss. The 21-year-old playmaker has been attracting significant Premier League interest after an impressive campaign despite Leicester’s relegation. Crystal Palace had emerged as front-runners, but reports now suggest Spurs are serious contenders for his signature.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham have formally entered the race, with a £22m fee being discussed to prise El Khannouss away from the King Power Stadium. Palace had been confident of securing him, yet the Moroccan is believed to be weighing up Spurs as a more attractive destination, with a final decision expected in the coming days.
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Why El Khannouss fits into Frank’s project
Tottenham’s pursuit of El Khannouss is not just about depth – it’s about unlocking the full potential of their most expensive summer signing, Mohammed Kudus. The Ghanaian international joined from West Ham United earlier in the window for £55m, marking Frank’s first major acquisition.
Kudus has already made his presence felt, registering two assists in his first two league appearances. His explosive dribbling, versatility, and relentless energy have made him a fan favourite almost instantly. But while Kudus is excelling, Spurs still lack a consistent supply line of incisive passes from midfield – a gap El Khannouss could fill perfectly.
The Moroccan has been described as “exceptional” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, and the numbers from last season back that claim. Ranking in the 90th percentile for passes into the final third (3.7 per 90) and 86th percentile for progressive passes (5.3 per 90), he thrives at moving the ball quickly into dangerous areas. His ability to glide past defenders, demonstrated by a 57% dribble success rate and nearly two carries into the final third per match, makes him a constant threat.
Even in a struggling Leicester side, he recorded five goal contributions in the Premier League – a testament to his creativity and vision under pressure. Slotting into Frank’s Spurs, El Khannouss could be the link that transforms Kudus from an exciting signing into a world-class performer by providing the service he needs to thrive.
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Time is running out
With Crystal Palace still pushing to secure the Moroccan, Spurs must act decisively to avoid another Eze-style disappointment. Frank has already proven he can inspire Tottenham to compete with the best, but adding El Khannouss would provide the technical quality and midfield dynamism required to sustain momentum throughout the long campaign ahead.
For £22m, the move represents remarkable value in today’s inflated market. Should Spurs win the race, it could be one of the most shrewd and impactful signings of the summer – and one that gives Kudus the platform to flourish as Frank’s Tottenham project gathers pace in North London.