Journalist: Thomas Frank sack decision not affecting Spurs’ January transfer plans | OneFootball

Spurs January plans shaped by stability question

Tottenham’s January window has drifted into an oddly familiar state of suspense, less about names and numbers and more about authority and continuity. As reported by The Athletic, the immediate noise has centred on uncertainty around the head coach, yet the reality is more prosaic and perhaps more telling. Frank remains in the job, and he continues to be given plenty of say in Spurs’ activity in the market. He pushed for the signing of Gallagher, even speaking to the England midfielder by phone before he joined. That detail alone speaks to a club still operating with a functioning chain of command rather than one frozen by doubt.

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The focus of the past few days may have been on the future of the dugout, but January waits for no one. Whoever ends the month in charge, Tottenham still look short in key areas, and the sense persists that this squad has been stretched thin by injuries and form rather than transformed by tactical uncertainty.

Reinforcements still central to strategy

Work continues behind the scenes, driven by sporting director Johan Lange and his team. Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham sought to calm nerves with a detailed programme note. “We are fully focused on strengthening the squad in January where the right opportunities exist,” he wrote, “while recognising that the most significant player trading activity typically comes in summer windows.”

That phrasing matters. It frames January as corrective rather than revolutionary. Spurs are expected to complete a move for 19 year old left back Souza from Santos, a signing that fits the club’s longer term profile rather than the urgent needs of the next fortnight. The more pressing issue remains goals, particularly with leading scorer Richarlison sidelined by a muscle injury.

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Outgoings limited by squad depth

There is little fat to trim. Many younger fringe players are already out on loan, leaving minimal room to manoeuvre. The one first team name attracting interest is Radu Dragusin. The 23 year old centre back, whose 2025 was largely lost to a knee injury, has suitors in Italy on a potential loan, though nothing is agreed. Spurs may yet decide that stability and cover outweigh short term flexibility, postponing any decision until summer.

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The so called Frank uncertainty feels overstated, at least in practical terms. If he were truly on borrowed time, would he be personally phoning targets and shaping recruitment priorities? The reality appears closer to a club managing noise rather than panic. Fans have seen genuine paralysis before, and this does not quite resemble it.

That said, January still feels uncomfortably thin. Injuries have exposed a lack of depth, especially in attack, and patience can start to look like inertia when results wobble. Supporters understand the long term logic, they have heard it often enough, but they also watch weekly evidence of a squad running on fumes.

The Souza deal looks sensible but distant from immediate concerns. What many fans crave is one decisive addition who clearly raises the level now, not in two seasons’ time. Frank’s influence reassures, yet it also raises expectations. If he has a voice, then responsibility follows.

Ultimately, Spurs fans will judge this window less by headlines and more by outcomes. If January closes with the squad stronger and belief intact, uncertainty will fade quickly. If it does not, questions about direction will return louder, regardless of who stands on the touchline.