Spurs may look to forgotten England star | OneFootball

Recruitment picture under Thomas Frank

Tottenham Hotspur’s medium-term strategy is coming into sharper focus, with plans for 2026 already advanced and a clear intent to pursue statement signings. Under Thomas Frank, Spurs have mapped out a recruitment approach that keeps them agile for January while building towards a front line capable of competing on multiple fronts. The club’s hierarchy remain open-minded about profiles but, at this stage, are understood to be leaning towards a wide forward rather than a pure No 9—though that call will be taken closer to the window once valuations and availability crystallise.

From outside England, targets of genuine profile have been discussed, including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, Porto forward Samu Omorodion and Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney. Within the Premier League, there is admiration for Iliman Ndiaye at Everton and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo—both considered energetic, tactically flexible forwards who fit the pressing and transition demands of a Frank-coached attack.

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January priorities and the Ivan Toney angle

Short term, the expectation inside Spurs is that at least one attacker will arrive in January, with significant funds to act should the right opportunity present itself. Early enquiries around Ivan Toney form part of a broader sounding-out exercise as Spurs test the market for elite goalscoring profiles. Toney’s record as a consistent finisher is well known, and there is a belief he could offer the penalty-box presence and hold-up play to complement Frank’s preferred structure. Whether that interest escalates into formal movement will hinge on pricing, exit conditions at Al Ahli and how other options evolve as the window nears.

The dynamics around the squad will also inform decisions. Hopes are high for Dominic Solanke’s return to fitness, Richarlison’s future remains unresolved, and Randal Kolo Muani has suffered a facial injury setback. Each variable nudges the balance between a wide forward and a central focal point. For now, the working plan is to keep multiple pathways open, with Spurs ready to pivot if a top-tier target—be that Rodrygo, Toney or an emerging Premier League performer—becomes attainable on acceptable terms.

Tactical fit and profile selection

Frank’s blueprint emphasises verticality, coordinated pressing and quick connection from midfield to the front line. In that context, Spurs are targeting forwards who can both run channels and combine in tight spaces. Players like Ndiaye and Semenyo appeal because they can operate across the front three, press aggressively and carry threat on the break. A wide forward with strong output would maintain spacing and stretch defences, while a striker in the Toney mould would provide a reference point, secure first contacts and bring runners into play.

Crucially, the club are not locking themselves into a single profile. The recruitment team have compiled a tiered shortlist to work through, allowing them to engage on multiple fronts and move decisively when conditions are right. Should a headline option such as Rodrygo become more accessible, the needle could shift quickly towards a marquee wide addition. If central options firm up—especially around Ivan Toney—Spurs are prepared to allocate resources accordingly.

Commercial momentum and wider market moves

Off the pitch, Tottenham are exploring a novel approach to monetising shirt sponsorship alongside stadium naming rights, with discussions pointing towards a combined package that could be worth in the region of £500 million. That level of commercial uplift would reinforce football operations across recruitment and retention, giving Frank and the sporting structure further room to manoeuvre.

Elsewhere, Spurs remain warm on a Premier League midfielder they have tracked previously, with internal analysis suggesting he is an excellent stylistic match for Frank’s system. And there has been encouragement from Brazil around Rodrygo’s future preferences should his situation at Real Madrid change, potentially placing Tottenham in a competitive position if a departure ever materialised.

What emerges is a coherent, flexible plan: Spurs intend to add at least one attacker in January while continuing to position themselves for high-impact moves through 2026. The club’s diligence across multiple targets—spanning Ivan Toney, Premier League-ready forwards and elite wide options—reflects a recruitment strategy designed to protect against market volatility and injuries while giving Thomas Frank the tools to elevate his attack.