After taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur, new boss Thomas Frank has already demonstrated his ability to switch his tactics based upon the opposition from game to game.
He’s already operated with a back five and a back four in various games, undoubtedly evaluating the options at his disposal for his debut campaign at the helm in North London.
However, a glaring issue has arisen in the side, with a lack of depth in the final third potentially transforming into a huge problem should no solution be found before the end of the window.
If the Dane is to be successful in the Premier League, he will need various talents at his disposal to call upon, but at present, he’s severely lacking in options in attacking areas.
After the departure of Heung-min Son and injury to James Maddison, the number ten and left-wing positions are massively depleted – with owner Daniel Levy needing to rectify such issues as soon as possible.
Spurs’ attempts to land an Eze alternative this summer
Eberechi Eze appeared to be the player to fill such roles within the Spurs side, after the hierarchy agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for the Englishman’s signature.
The player himself wanted to join Frank’s side, but despite the progress made on a deal to land the 27-year-old – he will not be making a move to join the Lilywhites this summer.
He’s since accepted an offer to join North London rivals Arsenal, subsequently ending Levy’s pursuit of the attacking midfielder – which has seen the club move onto different targets.
Some of the options have previously been on their radar at previous points of the summer window, with Manchester City star Savinho just one name remerging in their sights.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed in recent days that Frank’s side will return to negotiations before the end of the window, after previously failing to strike an agreement with Pep Guardiola’s men.
He also claimed that an offer of €70m (£60m) was being prepared for the Brazilian forward, who managed to notch 14 combined goals and assists in the 2024/25 campaign.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Saka
Bukayo Saka is a player who’s constantly tormented countless backlines in the Premier League over recent seasons – with Tottenham being one of the sides unable to contain the Arsenal winger.
The 23-year-old has scored five times against the Lilywhites in his career – the most of any side he’s faced – often claiming bragging rights for Mikel Arteta’s side in the North London derby.
Such performances have undoubtedly left the Spurs faithful wishing they had a player of his quality, but talents like the Englishman would cost a pretty penny in the modern market.
To make matters worse for the Lilywhites faithful, Saka will be aided in his attempts at the Emirates by Eze – rubbing further salt into the wounds after missing out on his signature.
However, their pain may be short-lived, especially if they can land a deal for Savinho, with the City star able to make the fans forget about the failed move for the 27-year-old.
The Brazilian has been labelled as a similar player to Saka by FBref, a comparison that is understandable when delving into his underlying stats from the previous campaign.
The 21-year-old managed to outperform the Gunners star in numerous key areas, subsequently handing Frank his own version of the top-level attacker.
Games played
29
25
Goals & assists
9
16
Shot on target accuracy
38%
33%
Progressive carries
7.1
5
Pass accuracy
81%
75%
Passes into the opposition box
2.4
1.9
Take-on success
46%
45%
Carries into final third
2.3
1.6
Carries into the opposition box
3.8
2.6
Savinho, who’s been labelled “incredible” by current boss Guardiola, posted a higher shot on target accuracy rate – able to cut inside off the right-hand side trouble the ‘keeper on a more consistent basis.
His ability to get shots off around the 18-yard box is undoubtedly crucial, but the need for a creative presence within the current first-team squad has been evident of late.
The Brazilian could provide just that with any move to North London, bettering Saka in various areas – such as passes completed and passes into the opposition area per 90.
However, Savinho has also caused havoc to the opposition with his talent at driving the opposition – registering more carries into the penalty area per 90, whilst also achieving a higher take-on success rate.
Missing out on Eze will certainly be a bitter blow, but any disappointment could be pushed aside if the hierarchy manage to get a deal over the line for the City youngster.
If he does make the move, the 21-year-old would have all the tools to match Saka’s achievements in the capital, undoubtedly offering the needed threat Frank has been hunting for throughout the off-season.
