⚽ Tottenham Under New Leadership: Thomas Frank’s Sweeping Overhaul
London / North London, 20 June 2025 – Tottenham Hotspur are entering a transformational period under newly appointed head coach Thomas Frank. The Danish tactician, arriving from Brentford earlier this month, faces a crucial task: reviving a team that finished a disappointing 17th in the Premier League, despite securing their first major trophy in 17 years—the Europa League under his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou .
Now, insiders suggest Frank is plotting a radical squad realignment. Reports indicate that at the top of his priority list may be one Tottenham striker and one defender —two players the Dane is reportedly prepared to exclude from his first-team vision. A recent opinion piece sparked headlines by stating Frank “could axe Richarlison and Dragusin in brutal Tottenham clear-out” , while broader consensus from ex-spurs scouts anticipates “a massive ‘clear‑out’” once Frank begins his tenure .
Let’s take a deep dive into the context, players involved, and what this could mean for the future of Spurs.
1. Thomas Frank: The Architect of Change
At 51 years old, Frank officially signed a three‑year deal with Tottenham on June 12, after Spurs met his reported £10 million release clause with Brentford . Known for his intense, high-pressing style and ability to develop youth talent, Frank brings with him a tight-knit coaching team—including Justin Cochrane, Chris Haslam, Joe Newton, and Andreas Georgson .
- Brentford success (2018–2025): Guided the club into the Premier League and delivered consistent mid-table finishes.
- Tactical identity: A 3-5-2 setup, emphasizing disciplined defense, transitional play, and set-piece efficiency .
- Player development: Earned acclaim for fostering talent like Ivan Toney, Said Benrahma, and Ezri Konsa—making youth integration a central pillar.
Frank’s arrival on 12 June marks the calm before the storm—one Tottenham insiders described as “massive clear‑out” mode .
2. Richarlison: Miscast Inconsistency
Signed in summer 2022 for approximately £60 million, Richarlison arrived with high expectations but failed to deliver consistent performances across three seasons .
Performance overview:
- His debut yielded flashes of promise—six goals in his opening Champions League games—but consistency eluded him in subsequent seasons .
- The 2023/24 season saw a strong spell mid-season, with nine goals in eight matches . Yet injuries and adaptation issues persisted.
Frank’s view:
- Early commentaries from his Brentford tenure applauded Richarlison’s potential—praise tinged with caution, referring to him as “very good” but needing regular chances .
- Now, amidst speculation of a squad reshuffle, Frank might view Richarlison as surplus to requirements, citing long-term concerns about his fit and cost.
A stark headline put it plainly: “Frank to get rid of Richarlison … in brutal Tottenham clear‑out” . The club could view recouping a large chunk of the original investment as advantageous.
3. Destiny Udogie: Potential Without Promise?
Left-back Destiny Udogie arrived in August 2022 for close to €20 million, loaned until 2023. The Italy international impressed with early form before a significant injury in April 2024 (left quadriceps surgery) sidelined him .
Career snapshot:
- Became a starter in his debut 2023/24 season, scoring his first Spurs goal in December 2023 .
- However, recurring injuries and dips in form brought inconsistency—a recurring topic in post-match opinions .
Frank’s system:
- Thrives with dynamic wing-backs. Udogie’s style aligns—in theory—with Frank’s 3-5-2 formation .
- Yet, competition for wing-back positions is fierce; Frank may feel Udogie hasn’t shown enough resilience post-injury to excel.
While Udogie hasn’t attracted the same transfer headlines as Richarlison, commentators note Frank likely wants players fit both physically and tactically. Udogie’s injury history could weigh heavily.
4. Behind-the-Scenes: Levy’s Strategy and Financial Logic
Chairman Daniel Levy has shepherded the club through aggressive managerial and transfer strategies. While Postecoglou delivered silverware, the league finish was disastrous—17th with 22 losses—forcing his exit .
Key decision factors:
- High-stakes gambles: Levy approved a £10 million payout to secure Frank, indicating the seriousness of this shift .
- Financial pragmatism: Potential sales of high-earners like Richarlison align with Levy’s model of leveraging player sales for reinvestment.
- Youth expansion: Frank’s reputation for academy integration (e.g., Mathys Tel signing) matches club plans to regenerate the roster with younger, more affordable talents .
Former scouts warned: “Any new manager … will want to see the structure of the football club, … and there will be staff changes … and players” . This hints at a far-reaching revamp beyond just two names.
5. Tactical Implications: A New Era of Formation
Frank’s hallmark formation at Brentford: 3-5-2, anchored in rapid transitions, wing-back play, and structured defense .
In Tottenham’s context:
- Wing-back duo: Competition for these spots will intensify; Udogie’s inclusion is not guaranteed despite system synergy.
- Centre-forward role: Richarlison may be deemed not sharp, lacking the tactical discipline Frank seeks.
- Midfield shape: Players like Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, and Rodrigo Bentancur could be pivotal pivots or be shuffled depending on fit .
A squad revamp will follow system shifts—Frank must mold personnel to suit formations and vice versa.
6. What’s Next: Transfer Market & Player Futures
It’s clear the transfer window is approaching Whitehall-style decision-making: buy, sell, loan, or release—perhaps drastically before the preseason kickoff.
For Richarlison:
- Possible suitors include clubs in Europe’s top five leagues, especially Turkey or Saudi Arabia, where star forwards are in high demand.
- Spurs could recoup part of the £60 million investment—perhaps as much as £30–40 million if the market interest is genuine.
For Udogie:
- A loan could be prioritized for player growth and recuperation, or a permanent sale if Frank favors alternatives.
- Youth wing-backs already in the pipeline may compete strongly for a spot in the starting XI.
General summer projection:
- Tottenham have already signed Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel this month for a combined ~£51 million , signaling focus in central defence and attack.
- Rumors include interest in Brentford’s wing duo—Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa—but nothing is finalized .
- A holding midfielder and pacey winger are high priorities .
7. Ramifications for Tottenham & Fan Base
Short-term: Discontent among supporters who cherish Postecoglou’s Europa League triumph, despite league struggles. The exit of fan favorites like Richarlison and Udogie may spark backlash.
Long-term: If Frank delivers a resilient, tactically coherent side, a rebuild could be vindicated. Early results, including preseason in South Korea and domestic campaign, will set the tone .
Broad perspective:
- Tottenham are betting on a fresh managerial blueprint over past success.
- Player loyalty will be tested—those fitting the system (like Maddison, Bissouma, Bentancur) may stay; fringe players risk exclusion.
🧭 Final Summary
- Thomas Frank arrives with a clear vision: restructure, enforce tactics, and prioritize youth integration.
- Richarlison and Destiny Udogie are high on the “could be axed” list—early speculations suggest both may be deemed ill-suited to Frank’s philosophy or wage demands.
- Daniel Levy supports a large-scale overhaul, underpinned by tactical alignment and financial prudence.
- The summer transfer window looms large, with key exits and new signings expected to redefine Tottenham’s competitive edge.
Tottenham’s summer of change is underway: manager replacement, squad realignment, and formation reinvention. While speculations swirl around two prominent names, the ultimate test will come under Frank’s stewardship. The coming months are pivotal—not just for player fates, but for Tottenham’s trajectory as a club determined to reclaim its place among England’s elite.
