Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for their first pre-season clash this Saturday against League One outfit Reading, marking the managerial debut of Thomas Frank.
With fans eager to glimpse the early imprint of Frank’s philosophy, much of the focus remains on how Spurs will shape their squad in the coming weeks.
Thomas Frank is keen to bolster his midfield, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has emerged as a top target. However, the Spurs have hit a stumbling block.
Speaking to Football Insider, Pete O’Rourke revealed Palace’s firm stance: “Palace are doing everything they can to keep hold of Adam Wharton. Palace are trying to scare off suitors by saying it’ll be at least £100million for him.
“I think that might be a bit steep, I don’t think Tottenham would be going anywhere near that to try and sign Adam Wharton, but that’s what Palace are doing. They’re fighting to keep hold of their best players.
I think Wharton will be thinking at some point that he might want to move on to a bigger club and play Champions League football and everything else. But I don’t think he’ll push for a move right now, that’s not something that would happen this summer.
He’s under a long-term contract until 2029 and I don’t think Palace are in any real urgent need to sell him, so Palace are confident they can keep Wharton. I don’t see Spurs getting anywhere near that £100million price tag.”
It’s a sharp blow to Spurs’ transfer plans. The eye-watering valuation effectively closes the door for now, leaving Tottenham to explore alternative options.
Meanwhile, Spurs are also eyeing Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes. Known for his defensive grit and technical ability, Gomes is now firmly on Tottenham’s radar.
As reported by journalist Ben Jacobs: “Tottenham have begun to show legitimate interest in Wolves defensive midfielder Joao Gomes, who has been loosely linked with a number of top Premier League clubs, including Tottenham’s summer transfer rivals and Europa League Final opponents, Manchester United.
Wolves are eager to retain him and will only consider selling if their minimum asking price of £50 million is satisfied.”
At £50 million, Gomes presents a more attainable target, and he could slot in as a possible alternative to Morgan Gibbs-White—another name linked with a similar price tag.
Thomas Frank wasted no time confronting the swirling transfer rumours surrounding Heung-min Son and Cristian Romero in his first press conference as Spurs manager.
On Son, he was clear yet measured: “Yeah, first and foremost, here’s here now. I’m not worried too much about it. Let’s take that five or six weeks down the line. That will probably be a question I get the next following weeks, so I’ll practice my answers. Right now, he’s here.”
The Danish boss remained pragmatic, hinting at future decisions while focusing on the present: “It’s always tricky, situations like that if that happens. Right now I have a player that is fully committed and training well, and will play tomorrow.
I’m not talking about Sonny, I’m talking about in general. If a player has been at a club a long time, then there will always be a decision for the club to take, of course. And of course, the head coach and the guys who are in charge and this case will be with Daniel [Levy] and Johan [Lange].
Because there is something in it if someone wants to leave at a certain stage, then there can be something there. But the club will always decide in the end, of course.”
Regarding Romero, Frank appeared even more grounded: “But it’s like a theory. Right now he’s here, that’s what I’m focusing on. As long as players are here, I’m training them, I’m playing with them. He’s definitely here and very committed. I know he’s looking forward to the season.”
As Spurs prepare to face Reading, the bigger questions loom. Will they manage to land a key midfielder? Can they fend off interest in their prized stars? The pressure is on. Frank’s era has begun—and it promises to be eventful.
