Sport

Tottenham must strengthen in these three key positions

Tottenham Hotspur’s first big move of the summer was to change manager. Despite guiding the North London club to Europa League glory, Ange Postecoglou was shown the door with Thomas Frank appointed in his place as Spurs’ new boss.

Frank arrives at Tottenham on the back of a successful tenure at Brentford, but the Dane needs reinforcements to stand any chance of progress at his new club. Here are three positions Spurs must strengthen in the summer transfer window.

Central midfield

It was clear over the course of the 2024/25 campaign that Spurs are lacking in the centre of the pitch. Injuries certainly didn’t help matters, and Lucas Bergvall emerged as a genuine prospect for the future, but Tottenham don’t measure up well to many of their rivals when it comes to reliable contributors in central midfield.

To play as Frank wants, Spurs will need two-way operators who have plenty to offer on both sides of the ball. Rodrigo Bentancur has the potential to be such a player, but the Uruguayan international’s career in North London has been stop-start since making the move from Juventus three years ago.

Spurs need central midfielders of all moulds. They could use a midfield anchor which is why Real Betis’ Johnny Cardoso has been linked. Frank also needs more creativity in the centre of the pitch, leading to speculation around Xavi Simons who is reportedly eager to move on from RB Leipzig this summer. The Netherlands International, however, would be an expensive signing.

Wide attack

Brennan Johnson was a reliable goalscorer for Spurs in the wide areas last season, but the future of Son Heung-min could dictate whether they target one or two new wingers this summer. While Son is a club icon, he was a shadow of his former self last season and there is reporting he could leave North London for Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks.

Spurs have been linked with Bryan Mbeumo who notched 20 goals in the Premier League for Brentford last season. However, the Cameroonian international is more likely to end up at Manchester United and so Tottenham might have to look elsewhere for a difference-maker in the wide areas. Frank probably won’t be reunited with one of his best players at Brentford.

Antoine Semenyo is another wide player believed to be on Tottenham’s radar after a positive season for Bournemouth. Then there’s Alejandro Garnacho, who is seemingly on his way out of Manchester United and could be available for a transfer fee of around £50m in the summer transfer window. Spurs have several options in this area.

Centre forward

Dominic Solanke missed a lot of the 2024/25 season through injury, but the former Bournemouth striker made a good impression as Spurs’ first-choice centre forward when he was on the pitch. Nonetheless, Tottenham could be in the market for a new striker, particularly if Richarlison leaves the club before the start of next season.

Of course, Spurs aren’t the only club looking for a new striker this summer. Indeed, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are also in the market for a number nine while Chelsea have already added Liam Delap to their ranks. Tottenham could be squeezed out when it comes to attracting some of the best candidates available.

Tottenham are long-term admirers of Benjamin Sesko, but the Slovenian could favour a move to Arsenal over their North London rivals. Jonathan David could be a more cost-effective option with the Canadian international now a free agent after departing Lille at the end of last season. Jean-Philippe Mateta is another striker who would give Frank depth up front.