Thomas Frank names the two signings he wants personally at Tottenham after Muhammad Kudus. Fans are stunned
Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for a pivotal summer transfer window in 2025, with new manager Thomas Frank tasked with revitalizing a squad that endured a torrid 2024/25 Premier League campaign, finishing a dismal 17th. Despite their Europa League triumph under former boss Ange Postecoglou, Spurs’ domestic struggles exposed glaring weaknesses in defense, midfield, and attack. With qualification for the 2025/26 Champions League secured and a reported £200m war chest at their disposal, courtesy of chairman Daniel Levy’s backing and anticipated European revenue, Tottenham are poised to make significant moves. The club’s ambition is clear: to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions. Under Frank’s high-intensity, tactically astute system, Spurs are targeting high-profile signings to address key areas of concern, with two sensational players emerging as prime targets to spearhead this rebuild.
Frank’s appointment signals a shift in philosophy, with the former Brentford manager bringing a reputation for structured, dynamic football. His success at Brentford, where he maximized limited resources, has instilled confidence that he can elevate Tottenham’s fortunes. The club’s transfer strategy reflects this ambition, focusing on versatile, high-energy players who fit Frank’s system while addressing the squad’s deficiencies. Confirmed signings like Mohammed Kudus (£60m from West Ham), Kevin Danso (£21m from Lens), Mathys Tel (permanent from Bayern Munich), Luka Vuskovic (from Hajduk Split), and Koto Takai (£5m from Kawasaki Frontale) have already bolstered the squad. However, Tottenham’s recruitment team is not stopping there. The club is actively pursuing additional marquee signings to complement these arrivals, with a particular emphasis on adding creativity, goal-scoring prowess, and defensive solidity. The transfer market buzz around Spurs suggests they are ready to make a statement, with two standout targets at the forefront of their plans.
Among the most exciting prospects linked with Tottenham are Marcus Rashford and Xavi Simons, two players who could transform the club’s attacking output. Rashford, the Manchester United forward, has been a polarizing figure in recent seasons. Once a talismanic figure at Old Trafford, his form dipped in 2024/25, with reports of a strained relationship with manager Erik ten Hag and limited playing time fueling speculation about his future. Rashford’s versatility across the front line, blistering pace, and proven goal-scoring ability make him an ideal fit for Frank’s system, which thrives on quick transitions and dynamic wing play. Tottenham see Rashford as a player who could rediscover his best form in North London, especially with the promise of regular minutes and a starring role in their Champions League campaign. His potential availability, with Manchester United reportedly open to offers as his contract nears its end, has Spurs on high alert. A move for Rashford would be a bold statement of intent, signaling Tottenham’s ambition to compete with the Premier League’s elite.
Xavi Simons, the RB Leipzig playmaker, is another sensational target who has caught Tottenham’s attention. The Dutch international, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, has been a revelation in the Bundesliga, showcasing his flair, vision, and ability to unlock defenses. Simons’ versatility as an attacking midfielder or winger aligns perfectly with Frank’s tactical demands for creativity and fluidity in the final third. With his future at PSG uncertain and Leipzig unlikely to secure a permanent deal, Tottenham are in a three-way race with Arsenal and Liverpool for his signature. Simons’ potential transfer fee, estimated at €60m-€80m, reflects his status as one of Europe’s brightest young talents. His addition would provide Tottenham with a creative spark to complement Kudus and Tel, forming a formidable attacking unit capable of challenging top defenses. Frank’s vision of a high-pressing, possession-based style would be significantly enhanced by Simons’ technical brilliance and work rate.
The pursuit of Rashford and Simons underscores Tottenham’s determination to address their attacking shortcomings. The 2024/25 season exposed a lack of consistent goal-scoring, with Richarlison’s injury woes and Timo Werner’s underwhelming loan spell highlighting the need for a reliable forward. Rashford’s experience and Simons’ youthful exuberance offer a perfect blend of proven quality and long-term potential. Beyond their individual talents, both players bring intangibles that could elevate Spurs’ squad. Rashford’s leadership and big-game mentality, honed during his time at United, would provide a calming presence in a relatively young squad. Simons, meanwhile, has the potential to become a fan favorite, with his flair and ability to produce moments of magic reminiscent of Tottenham’s attacking greats like Dele Alli in his prime.
Defensively, Tottenham are also active, with their poor record last season—conceding heavily en route to their lowest-ever Premier League finish—prompting a focus on centre-backs. Names like Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Castello Lukeba (RB Leipzig), and Koni De Winter (Genoa) are on the radar, with Frank prioritizing a robust backline to complement his attacking ambitions. The midfield is another area of focus, with Morgan Gibbs-White (£60m from Nottingham Forest), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), and Joao Palhinha (Bayern Munich) among the targets. These signings would provide the balance needed to support high-profile additions like Rashford and Simons, ensuring Tottenham can compete on multiple fronts.
Financially, Tottenham are well-positioned to pursue Rashford and Simons, thanks to their Champions League windfall and potential player sales. Outgoings like Yves Bissouma (linked with Fenerbahçe), Richarlison, and Sergio Reguilón (now a free agent) could free up funds and squad space. However, challenges remain. Competition for Rashford and Simons is fierce, with Arsenal and Liverpool also in the race, and both players’ transfer fees could strain Tottenham’s budget if other targets, like Viktor Gyokeres or Eberechi Eze, are also pursued. Additionally, Rashford’s recent form raises questions about his consistency, while Simons’ lack of Premier League experience could be a risk. Frank’s ability to integrate these players into his system will be crucial, as will Levy’s willingness to back his manager in negotiations.
The potential arrivals of Rashford and Simons would also send a message to Tottenham’s rivals. After years of being criticized for a lack of ambition in the transfer market, Spurs are now signaling their intent to compete with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool. Rashford’s Premier League pedigree and Simons’ European flair would give Tottenham a new identity, blending English grit with continental finesse. For fans, the prospect of seeing these two in Spurs’ lilywhite kit is tantalizing, offering hope of a return to the top four and deep runs in Europe.
Beyond the pitch, the signings of Rashford and Simons could have commercial benefits. Rashford’s global profile would boost Tottenham’s marketability, particularly in markets like the United States, where his brand is strong. Simons, with his growing reputation and Dutch fanbase, would further enhance Spurs’ international appeal, complementing their existing global stars like Son Heung-min. These moves align with Levy’s long-term vision of making Tottenham a commercial powerhouse, with increased revenue from merchandise and sponsorships.
As the transfer window progresses, Tottenham’s pursuit of Rashford and Simons will be a litmus test for their ambitions. Successfully landing both would mark a significant coup, positioning Spurs as serious contenders in the Premier League and Champions League. Frank’s tactical acumen, combined with the flair of these two sensational talents, could herald a new era for the club. However, failure to secure them risks leaving Tottenham playing catch-up in a fiercely competitive market. For now, Spurs fans can dream of a front line featuring Rashford’s pace and Simons’ creativity, as the club prepares for a defining summer that could reshape their future.