Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has informed club officials that he will only approve the departure of loanee striker Randal Kolo Muani if a suitable replacement is secured first.
- Jean-Philippe Mateta, the Crystal Palace forward valued at £40m, tops Tottenham’s wishlist as a potential replacement, with Spurs kept informed on ongoing transfer developments.
- Kolo Muani, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, has failed to score in 15 Premier League appearances, contributing to Tottenham’s attacking struggles this season.
- Tottenham sit 14th in the Premier League table amid an underwhelming campaign, with intense sack speculation surrounding Frank despite the club’s backing for now.
- Juventus are pushing hard for Kolo Muani’s return to Turin, where he spent the 2024/25 season on loan, but any deal requires Frank’s approval.
- Crystal Palace demand £40m for Mateta, who seeks a Champions League club to boost his 2026 World Cup prospects; Nottingham Forest lead the chase but Tottenham monitor closely.
- Sources indicate Tottenham’s recruitment team views Mateta as a good fit for Frank’s system, potentially complementing the squad if Kolo Muani departs.
- Tottenham could advance to the Champions League last 16 with a positive result against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday evening.
- Club sources have revealed due diligence on prospective managers should Frank’s position be reassessed at season’s end.
- Additional transfer activity: West Ham closing in on a rarely-seen Tottenham star; Spurs eyeing £10m Wolves move for England international Sam Johnstone; Liverpool’s Arne Slot teases possible Andy Robertson transfer to Spurs after £5m talks.
Tottenham Hotspur (North London News) January 28, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has made it clear to club bosses that he would only give the green light to the exit of Randal Kolo Muani if the club sanctions the signing of a replacement, with TEAMtalk sources indicating Premier League marksman Jean-Philippe Mateta sits right at the top of Spurs’ wishlist in the final days of the transfer window.
The north London side have endured an underwhelming season to date, currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table, which has heaped pressure on Frank, who has found himself the subject of intense sack speculation in recent weeks. Despite these league struggles, Tottenham can progress to the last 16 of the Champions League with a positive result away to Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday evening.
Nonetheless, Frank requires an urgent shift in fortunes domestically, and while he retains the club’s backing for the time being, sources told TEAMtalk correspondent Fraser Fletcher that Tottenham are conducting due diligence on several prospective replacements, with the Dane’s future to be assessed at the season’s end.
A lack of quality up front has exacerbated Frank’s challenges, as Kolo Muani has failed to score in 15 Premier League outings since arriving on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The Spurs attack has consequently relied too heavily on contributions from other areas, particularly central defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
What Has Triggered Talks of Kolo Muani’s Exit?
TEAMtalk exclusively revealed on Tuesday that Tottenham are weighing up the possibility of allowing Kolo Muani to leave before the window closes, with Juventus pushing to secure an immediate deal with parent club PSG and bring the striker back to Turin. As reported by TEAMtalk sources, Juventus – where Kolo Muani spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan – are now intensifying efforts for the French striker, though any agreement would necessitate Frank’s explicit approval first.
The Daily Mail claims Juventus are pushing hard to land the player, echoing TEAMtalk’s update on the Italian club’s ambitions. In light of these developments, Spurs sources understand a possible exit could still be sanctioned, provided they remain updated on the situation surrounding Mateta.
Who Is Jean-Philippe Mateta and Why Does Tottenham Want Him?
The Crystal Palace star is eager to depart Selhurst Park this month, having made his ambitions clear to play in the Champions League, which he believes will elevate his profile ahead of the 2026 World Cup and secure a spot in Didier Deschamps’ France squad. A previous deal with Juventus collapsed over Palace’s asking price – a £40m (€46m, $55m) package for the 28-year-old – while AC Milan’s initial interest failed to advance.
Nottingham Forest have now emerged as frontrunners, having agreed personal terms with Mateta at £150,000 per week, though negotiations over the fee persist. Palace remain open to a sale but have been unequivocal: they will not budge below £40m. Tottenham’s admiration for the Frenchman persists unabated; they are monitoring the situation closely in case an opportunity arises, as confirmed by sources.
Those within Tottenham’s recruitment team consider Mateta an ideal fit for Frank’s tactical system, viewing his profile as complementary to the existing squad – particularly should Kolo Muani depart. As the transfer window nears its conclusion, sources do not rule out Mateta crossing London to join Spurs, paving the way for Kolo Muani’s exit.
How Does This Fit Tottenham’s Broader Transfer Strategy?
Spurs are watching events unfold on both the Kolo Muani and Mateta fronts, cognisant that Juventus stand ready to act swiftly upon receiving encouragement. Frank is reportedly prepared to offset any potential outgoing by launching a £10m bid for Wolves’ four-times capped England international Sam Johnstone, according to TEAMtalk reports.
Meanwhile, TEAMtalk can confirm West Ham United are closing in on a deal for a rarely-seen Tottenham star, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side eyeing three more late-window deals. On another front, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has affirmed his desire for left-back Andy Robertson to remain at Anfield but teased that the door remains ajar for a Spurs move following recent £5m discussions. As reported by TEAMtalk, Slot stated on Robertson’s future after Tottenham’s U-turn interest.
What Is the Context of Tottenham’s Season So Far?
Tottenham’s position – 14th in the Premier League – underscores the urgency for reinforcements, especially upfront where goals have been scarce beyond sporadic defensive contributions. Frank’s stance on replacements reflects a pragmatic approach amid mounting pressure, with the Champions League offering a potential lifeline via the Frankfurt clash.
TEAMtalk correspondent Fraser Fletcher’s sources highlight the club’s proactive scouting of managerial alternatives, signalling contingency planning without immediate panic. The interplay between Kolo Muani’s underperformance – zero goals in 15 league games – and Mateta’s proven Premier League pedigree positions this saga as pivotal to Spurs’ January ambitions.
Why Is Frank Under Pressure Despite Champions League Progress?
Despite the opportunity to reach the Champions League knockout stages, domestic woes dominate the narrative for Frank, whose sack rumours have intensified. Sources emphasise the Dane’s current support from hierarchy, but end-of-season reviews loom large. Kolo Muani’s loan struggles epitomise broader attacking frailties, with Romero and van de Ven shouldering goalscoring burdens uncharacteristically.
Juventus’ pursuit adds intrigue, potentially easing Tottenham’s wage bill but only if Mateta or equivalent arrives. Palace’s firm £40m valuation tests suitors’ resolve, yet Mateta’s personal terms alignment with Forest hints at movement – which Spurs keenly observe.
What Other Deals Are Spurs Linked With?
Beyond Mateta, the £10m Wolves raid for Johnstone signals goalkeeping bolstering, per TEAMtalk. West Ham’s interest in a Spurs fringe player underscores intra-London rivalry in the window’s dying embers. Slot’s nuanced Robertson comments – wanting retention yet open to exits – revive a transfer long speculated.
TEAMtalk’s comprehensive sourcing paints a club at transfer crossroads: balancing exits, incomings, and Frank’s mandates amid league peril and European hope. As January 31 approaches, Tottenham’s vigilance on Mateta exemplifies strategic patience in a high-stakes window.
This developing story, drawn from TEAMtalk’s exclusive insights and cross-referenced with Daily Mail reports, underscores the fluid nature of late-window manoeuvres. No official club statements have been issued, but sources remain adamant on Frank’s replacement stipulation.
