Key Points
- Thomas Frank, Brentford manager, emphasised that Tottenham Hotspur must improve as “good sellers” in the transfer market to compete at the highest level.
- Frank believes the “guys above me” at Tottenham are actively working to enhance the club’s ability to sell players at the right time and price.
- Tottenham have struggled with sales, incurring huge losses on high-profile transfers like Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, spending around £100 million more on them in 2019 than recouped last summer.
- Tottenham accepted a £35 million bid for Brennan Johnson, last season’s top scorer, though the 24-year-old has not decided; interest from Bournemouth, Everton, and Sunderland.
- If sold, Johnson’s departure would rank as Tottenham’s third-highest sale in recent history and fourth all-time, behind Gareth Bale, Harry Kane, and Kyle Walker.
- Johnson, signed from Nottingham Forest for £47.5 million in 2023, would mark the third consecutive top goalscorer sold by Spurs in recent years.
- Frank declined to comment specifically on Johnson, confirming the player is in his squad for Brentford vs Tottenham on New Year’s Day.
Tottenham Hotspur face a pivotal moment in the transfer market as manager Thomas Frank has publicly acknowledged that the club’s hierarchy is striving to transform Spurs into proficient sellers of players. Speaking ahead of Brentford’s clash with Tottenham on New Year’s Day, the Dane highlighted the north London outfit’s historical struggles in offloading assets profitably, amid reports of an accepted £35 million bid for winger Brennan Johnson.
As reported by Alasdair Gold of Football.London, Frank stated: “I think that’s key. It’s not only doing one thing right, playing a specific way or getting the culture right or whatever, there’s a lot of elements that we need to do well to be able to compete at the highest level.” Frank added that the “guys above me” at Tottenham are working hard on improving this critical aspect of transfer business.
Johnson, Tottenham’s top scorer last season after his £47.5 million move from Nottingham Forest in 2023, remains undecided on his future despite the accepted offer. Interest persists from Bournemouth, who have made an approach, alongside Everton and Sunderland monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation.
Why Is Tottenham Struggling to Sell Players Profitably?
Tottenham’s transfer ledger reveals a pattern of financial missteps, particularly with big-money signings. The club spent heavily on Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso in 2019, only to recoup far less upon their departures last summer—a net loss estimated at around £100 million on the duo alone.
According to coverage in Football.London, these sales underscore Spurs’ challenge in timing exits and maximising value. Ndombele, once a record signing, and Lo Celso both left for fractions of their initial fees, amplifying scrutiny on the club’s recruitment and sales strategy.
Frank’s comments, as detailed by the same outlet, point to a broader need for balance: buying shrewdly is insufficient without mastering sales.
“Thomas Frank believes that it’s key Tottenham become good sellers in the transfer market and that those above him are working hard on improving that aspect of the club,”
the report notes.
What Is the Status of Brennan Johnson’s Potential Transfer?
Tottenham have greenlit a bid worth approximately £35 million for Brennan Johnson, positioning it as potentially the club’s third-highest sale in recent history and fourth all-time. Only Gareth Bale, Harry Kane, and Kyle Walker command higher fees in Spurs’ records.
Football.London reports that Johnson, yet to commit, attracts attention from multiple suitors. Bournemouth have formally approached, while Everton and Sunderland keep tabs. Signed just two-and-a-half years ago, his exit would see Tottenham dispense with their past three top goalscorers—Johnson following Kane and others.
Frank refrained from specifics on Johnson during his pre-match briefing. As per Alasdair Gold’s account in Football.London:
“While Frank would not comment on Johnson in particular and said the player was set to be in his squad to face Brentford on New Year’s Day, the Dane did make it clear that Tottenham need to become good sellers.”
This development arrives as Spurs navigate a busy window, with Johnson’s versatility on the wing making him a prized asset. Should he depart, the £35 million fee—against his £47.5 million arrival—represents a modest profit, a rarity in Tottenham’s recent high-profile outflows.
Who Are the ‘Guys Above Me’ Thomas Frank Refers To?
Frank’s nod to the “guys above me” alludes to Tottenham’s executive team, spearheaded by technical director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy. These figures oversee transfer operations, a department under pressure to rectify past imbalances.
In the Football.London piece, Frank elaborated on the multifaceted demands of elite competition:
“I think that’s key. It’s not only doing one thing right, playing a specific way or getting the culture right or whatever, there’s a lot of elements that we need to do well.”
His endorsement suggests internal efforts to professionalise sales, potentially through better scouting of resale value or contract clauses.
Observers note Tottenham’s “Spurs” paradox: prolific spenders yet reluctant or inept sellers. Historical sales like Bale to Real Madrid (£85 million-plus) and Kane to Bayern Munich (£100 million) stand as benchmarks, with Walker’s £50 million move to Manchester City another outlier.
How Does Brennan Johnson’s Sale Rank in Tottenham History?
A Johnson exit at £35 million would cement its place among Spurs’ landmark departures. Gareth Bale’s transformative 2013 sale fetched over £85 million, Harry Kane’s 2023 Bayern switch £100 million, and Kyle Walker’s 2017 Manchester City transfer £50 million.
As outlined in Football.London, this would mark the third top goalscorer jettisoned recently, raising questions on squad continuity under Ange Postecoglou. Johnson’s 2023/24 campaign yielded key goals, yet tactical shifts and depth signings may facilitate his sale.
The timing aligns with Tottenham’s push for squad refreshment. Postecoglou’s high-pressing system demands players aligned with his vision, and Johnson’s potential profit could fund reinforcements.
What Did Thomas Frank Say Exactly About Tottenham’s Transfer Needs?
Frank’s full remarks, as transcribed by Alasdair Gold in Football.London, cut to the core:
“I think that’s key. It’s not only doing one thing right, playing a specific way or getting the culture right or whatever, there’s a lot of elements that we need to do well to be able to compete at the highest level.”
He believes Tottenham’s leadership grasps this imperative.
“Thomas Frank believes that it’s key Tottenham become good sellers in the transfer market and that those above him are working hard on improving that aspect of the club,”
the article summarises.
Frank confirmed Johnson’s availability for the New Year’s Day fixture against Brentford, maintaining squad focus amid speculation. This neutrality shields specifics while underscoring strategic priorities.
Which Clubs Are Interested in Brennan Johnson?
Beyond the mystery bidder, Bournemouth lead the chase with a direct approach. Everton, battling relegation woes, and Championship side Sunderland—eyeing promotion—also track the Wales international.
Football.London highlights Johnson’s appeal: pace, directness, and proven Premier League output. At 24, he fits rebuild timelines for mid-table aspirants. Tottenham’s acceptance signals willingness to cash in, especially post his Forest stint where he shone.
Why Is Becoming a ‘Good Seller’ Crucial for Tottenham?
Sustained success demands financial sustainability under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Tottenham’s spending—evident in arrivals like Dominic Solanke and Archie Gray—necessitates offsetting sales.
Frank’s insight resonates amid PSR pressures hitting rivals like Everton and Nottingham Forest. Mastering sales funds ambition without sanctions, as Levy’s frugality evolves.
Past flops like Ndombele (£55 million in, minimal return) and Lo Celso (£60 million in, low fee out) haunt Spurs. Johnson’s case tests progress: £47.5 million paid, £35 million incoming after 18 months signals maturation, albeit slim margins.
What Happens Next in the Transfer Window for Spurs?
With Johnson central, Tottenham eye reinforcements in attack and defence. Postecoglou prioritises quality over quantity, backed by Lange’s data-driven approach.
The New Year’s Day game looms, pitting Frank’s Brentford against Spurs. Johnson’s involvement could be his farewell, heightening drama.
As Brentford prepare—Frank plotting upsets—Tottenham’s window hinges on sales alchemy. Frank’s candour spotlights resolve: from perennial buyers to shrewd traders.
