Tottenham Hotspur made a significant decision this summer by parting ways with manager Ange Postecoglou, even after he delivered the club`s first silverware in 17 years.
The managerial role has now been assigned to Thomas Frank, who signed a three-year contract after Tottenham paid Brentford £10m for his services.
The Danish head coach faces immediate pressure to achieve positive results and guide the club higher up the Premier League standings.
Postecoglou`s departure was largely influenced by the team`s lower-than-expected league finish last season. Frank will be keen to avoid a similar fate that could jeopardise his position.
To replicate the success of his predecessor and improve the team, Frank will need reinforcements. Owner Daniel Levy is expected to support him by acquiring the players he desires.
Latest on Spurs` Summer Transfer Pursuit
RB Leipzig sensation Xavi Simons, who impressed with 11 goals this season, is one player Tottenham is reportedly open to signing this transfer window.
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo is another player on Spurs` radar, being considered for a potential transfer in the coming weeks.
Additionally, a new name has recently surfaced on their target list: Joao Pedro, the talented attacker from Brighton and Hove Albion, who is reportedly a strong target for Frank, according to Spurs Web.
Sources indicate that internal discussions have taken place at Tottenham regarding a deal for the Brazilian forward. He is expected to leave the AMEX Stadium this summer after netting 10 Premier League goals last season.
The report suggests the 23-year-old could be available for approximately £70m, although Tottenham faces competition from Newcastle United and Chelsea for his signature.
Why the £70m Target Could Become Frank’s Next Mbeumo
During his tenure at Brentford, Thomas Frank successfully elevated the club from the Championship to become a stable Premier League side, significantly developing several players in the process.
Bryan Mbeumo is a prime example of this development. He joined from Troyes in 2019 and has since evolved into a top-performing Premier League player.
The Cameroon international had his best season in 2024/25, scoring 20 goals for the Bees, which attracted interest from both Tottenham and Manchester United.
However, it seems Mbeumo is favouring a move to Old Trafford this window, having reportedly informed Brentford of his desire to join the Red Devils exclusively.
This situation could position Joao Pedro as a crucial transfer target for Spurs, potentially becoming Frank`s version of Mbeumo in North London.
FBref identifies the Brazilian as a comparable player to the 25-year-old Mbeumo, noting that Pedro outperformed him in various key metrics during the 2024/25 season.
Pedro, whom journalist Ryan Adsett has described as “world-class,” recorded a superior goals and assists per 90 rate compared to Mbeumo, which would provide the attacking impetus Frank needs at Tottenham.
| How Pedro compares to Mbeumo in the PL (2024/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Pedro | Mbeumo |
| Games played | 27 | 38 |
| Goals & assists | 16 | 27 |
| Goals & assists (per 90) | 0.74 | 0.71 |
| Pass accuracy | 73% | 66% |
| Passes into final third | 1.9 | 1.6 |
| Take-ons completed | 1.4 | 1.3 |
| Fouls won | 2.1 | 1.1 |
| Aerials won | 49% | 31% |
Beyond his goal contributions, the Brighton star also made more passes into the final third and had a better pass accuracy rate, demonstrating his ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates.
He also won more aerial duels and completed a higher number of take-ons, presenting a versatile, all-around option for the manager as he aims for success with the Lilywhites.
While a £70m fee for the Brazilian forward might seem substantial, it is a competitive valuation for a player who performed comparably, if not better in some areas, than Mbeumo this season.
If Joao Pedro can replicate his impressive performances for Tottenham next season, he possesses the qualities to become a fan favourite and play a key role in the new era at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
