Thomas Frank eyeing reunion with former striker at Tottenham Hotspur – Report | OneFootball

Ivan Toney Interest Signals Strategic Thinking From Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur are weighing a potential January push for Ivan Toney, with Thomas Frank understood to be open to a reunion with the prolific forward. The original talkSPORT report outlines both the opportunity and the challenge, and it speaks directly to Spurs’ current reality, a squad short on cutting edge in attacking areas.

Toney’s Goalscoring Record Reinforces His Appeal

Toney’s numbers remain compelling. As talkSPORT highlight, he has “netted 11 goals in 15 games this season” for Al Ahli and “41 goals in 59 appearances” since moving to the Saudi Pro League in 2024. His output in England was strong as well, producing “36 goals in 83 top flight games” under Frank at Brentford.

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Those relationships matter. It is rare for a Premier League manager to be so closely aligned with the peak years of a striker’s development and that connection inevitably fuels speculation. As one source close to the thinking at Spurs suggested, “Frank knows exactly how to get the best out of him, the synergy they built at Brentford was no coincidence.”

Spurs Struggling For Firepower

The need is clear. Dominic Solanke’s ankle injury has limited him to “just 3 appearances in all competitions this season” and Randal Kolo Muani “is yet to score” since arriving. Mathys Tel’s output has also been modest with “just once in seven league games” according to the report.

talkSPORT’s Alex Crook summarised the situation bluntly. He said, “I think they’re light up front, Tottenham,” adding, “I keep coming back to Ivan Toney for Tottenham.” His view aligns with many inside the club who believe Toney’s Premier League nous and confident finishing would instantly elevate the frontline.

Financial And Logistical Barriers

Al Ahli are reluctant sellers mid season and Toney is on a significant wage package, reportedly “£400,000 a week tax free”. Any move would require a push from the player and a major financial commitment from Spurs.

Frank addressed the topic publicly at a recent Spurs Fan Forum. He said, “Of course, Ivan Toney I coached for a few years, top player, top guy, very good striker, so let’s see what happens in the future.” It was a comment interpreted by many as intentionally non committal, yet unmistakably open minded.

England Ambition Adds Another Layer

The reporting notes that a Premier League return would improve Toney’s chances of forcing his way into England’s 2026 World Cup squad. With Thomas Tuchel viewing top tier European leagues as essential benchmarks, Toney knows his pathway back into contention may require a move.

Spurs offer familiarity, opportunity and a manager who understands him. Whether that proves enough to overcome the financial complexity is the biggest remaining question.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Tottenham supporters will be encouraged by this development, because Toney represents exactly the type of clinical presence the squad has lacked since Harry Kane’s departure. Under Thomas Frank there is a clear identity emerging based on organisation, vertical play and aggressive pressing, but the missing ingredient has been a forward who converts those transitions into goals with regularity.

Many fans will look at Solanke’s injury record this season and feel a degree of frustration. His all round contribution is strong, but availability is vital for a striker expected to lead a top six push. Supporters have also grown concerned about Kolo Muani’s adjustment period and Mathys Tel’s limited productivity. Toney, in contrast, is a proven finisher who has scored across multiple systems and circumstances.

His link up with Frank at Brentford is a powerful selling point. Spurs fans admire managers who identify trusted players that fit their tactical blueprint and Toney fits that perfectly. There will be hope that he pushes for the move, particularly with England ambitions in play. A return to the Premier League would give him the platform to compete with Ollie Watkins, Kane and others ahead of the World Cup.

There is always anxiety around Saudi wage structures, yet supporters will argue that strategic investment is necessary if Spurs are serious about Champions League qualification. For many fans, this feels like a defining opportunity. If Spurs can pull it off, it transforms the attack instantly.