Thomas Frank faces a significant challenge in his debut season as Tottenham Hotspur manager, having recently joined from Brentford.
Replacing Ange Postecoglou, the Danish manager is expected by the club hierarchy to elevate the team`s performance during his time in North London.
Spurs secured Champions League qualification after their Europa League success last season, marking Frank`s initial major test as the club`s head coach.
He must navigate the demands of both European competition and the Premier League, aiming for a higher league finish in 2025/26 while competing effectively in Europe`s premier club tournament.
For Frank to succeed, he will require support from Daniel Levy in the transfer market, including funds to reinforce crucial areas and create a balanced squad.
The Latest on Spurs’ Summer Transfer Hunt
Tottenham`s focus in recent weeks has primarily been on strengthening their attacking options, with several potential transfer targets identified.
Players like Arnaud Kalimuendo and Harvey Elliott are reportedly on Spurs` watchlist, but no transfers for these two have been finalized yet.
While discussions have occurred for these players, the club has also been pursuing other targets, notably Ademola Lookman from Atalanta, for a potential summer move.
According to a recent report by TBR Football, Frank`s team has contacted Lookman`s representatives regarding a transfer to North London, with Arsenal also reportedly showing interest.
The report suggests he might be available for around £43 million this summer, following a season where he contributed 20 goals and six assists for the Italian club.
Why Lookman Could Be a Better Signing Than Eze & Kudus
In addition to the aforementioned players, Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace and Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United are also frequently linked as potential signings from other Premier League clubs.
Eze was a standout performer for Crystal Palace in 2024/25, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists in the league, and even scoring the winning goal in Palace`s surprising FA Cup victory.
His strong performances have attracted significant interest from Arsenal, indicating strong competition for his signature this summer.
Mohammed Kudus has an £85 million release clause, though a transfer fee might be closer to £60 million, potentially requiring negotiation with West Ham after initial contact.
While both Eze and Kudus would significantly improve the Spurs squad, their price tags might be prohibitive, particularly due to the premium often associated with Premier League players.
Lookman could be a more affordable alternative and potentially a more effective attacking option, having outperformed both Premier League players in several key statistics.
Described as “world-class” by BBC`s John Bennett, the Nigerian forward had more goals and assists in 2024/25 and a higher shot accuracy, highlighting his effectiveness in attack.
| How Lookman compared to Eze & Kudus in 2024/25 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Statistic | Lookman | Eze | Kudus |
| Games played | 31 | 34 | 32 |
| Goals & assists | 20 | 16 | 8 |
| Shot on target accuracy | 40% | 27% | 28% |
| Progressive carries per 90 | 5.7 | 2.4 | 3.4 |
| Key passes per 90 | 2.4 | 2.1 | 1.1 |
| Carries into final third per 90 | 2.8 | 1.6 | 2.1 |
| Carries into opposition box per 90 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 1.4 |
| Aerials won % | 57% | 15% | 21% |
His statistics also show more key passes and carries into the opponent`s box per 90 minutes, indicating a direct style of play that makes him a persistent threat to defenses.
Lookman`s versatility and overall impact are also evident in his successful aerial duels and completed crosses, suggesting he possesses a range of abilities valuable in Frank`s tactical approach.
While it remains uncertain which player Tottenham will ultimately pursue, Lookman appears to be the most compelling option for the club in the current transfer window.
All three players would undoubtedly strengthen the squad, but Lookman, the Nigerian international, offers a level of quality that could potentially elevate the team`s performance significantly in 2025/26.
