Daniel Levy must back Thomas Frank with a rebuild this summer that allows him to shape the Tottenham Hotspur squad in his image. The Dane's stock is high following his impressive seven-year spell at Brentford.
The 51-year-old is swapping 'a bus stop in Hounslow' for Europa League champions and it's a significant step up in his managerial career. He also comes into a gloomy atmosphere after Levy sacked Ange Postecoglou, just the third manager in the club's history to win a European trophy.
Postecoglou dealt with many issues last season but his attackers were perhaps one of the biggest problems. Brennan Johnson finished the campaign top scorer with 11 goals in the league but he and others failed to show consistency.
That's why Spurs are expected to sign at least one new forward this summer. One target doesn't just have the club chasing his signature as he's long been admired by the incoming Frank.
Frank: 'Fantastic' Semenyo can play 'wherever he wants'
Whether Frank was foreshadowing future interest in Antoine Semenyo remains to be seen but the Dane has already hinted at why he'd be in favour of bringing the Ghanian attacker to Spurs.
"Semenyo can play wherever he wants to play - he's a fantastic player. I think he's been the best individual player for Bournemouth this season. He is definitely a player we need to look out for and do our best to close down." - Frank on Semenyo last season (via Brentford's website).
Semenyo is high on Tottenham's shortlist this summer and it appears the club will be pursuing the 25-year-old. The Lilywhites have made contact with Bournemouth over his availability and learned he'll cost £70m, per talkSPORT.
That fee is a little hefty but shouldn't come as a surprise given it was just last summer they sold Dominic Solanke for a club-record £65m. He has arguably become one of the most admired wingers in the top-flight and could become Frank's Bryan Mbeumo at Spurs.
What Semenyo could bring to Frank's Spurs
Frank's 4-3-3 system at Brentford didn't just earn plaudits, it got results that ensured they have remained in the Premier League since promotion in 2021. Mbeumo is one of many roaring successes to come under the Danish tactician's development.
Mbeumo was the Bees' talisman this past season, stepping up after Ivan Toney's departure. The Cameroonian bagged 20 goals in 38 league outings, used in a deadly partnership with Yoane Wissa.
Antoine Semenyo (Premier League 2024-25) | Statistic: |
|---|---|
Games Played: | 37 |
Goals: | 11 |
Expected Goals (xG): | 9.98 |
Assists: | 5 |
Big Chances Created: | 11 |
Successful Dribbles: | 1.9 (55%) |
Ground duels won: | 4.3 (41%) |
Aerial duels won: | 1.8 (47%) |
There are similarities in Mbeumo and Semenyo's game as they both possess the versatility to play across the frontline. The African pair also share similar goalscoring instincts and ball-carrying is a significant part of their game.
Frank's Brentford were often fierce on the counter and that could be a tool he'll use upon his start at Spurs. He will need a pacey and powerful attacker who can help break forward and Semenyo has displayed such ability throughout his time at the Vitality.
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