Thomas Frank has said Tottenham are not close to matching Arsenal’s willingness to spend £100m on a single player, despite major changes behind the scenes at Spurs.
Since Daniel Levy was removed as chair in September, Tottenham have undergone a leadership overhaul, with the Lewis family installing a new management structure and committing fresh investment. While the ambition is to turn Spurs into Premier League title contenders, Frank admitted the club is not currently in a position to make blockbuster signings on the scale of Arsenal’s £105m move for Declan Rice. Tottenham’s record signing remains Richarlison at £60m in 2022.
Frank questioned former boss Ange Postecoglou’s claim that Spurs would never spend £100m on one player, suggesting that over a long time frame it could happen, but stressing that it is not imminent. He said building a successful team requires patience, strong processes and smart investment, rather than simply spending huge sums.
He also argued that player development is just as important as major transfers, pointing to Liverpool’s rise and Manchester City’s model as examples of success built on both smart recruitment and coaching. According to Frank, investing in players at the right age and stage of development, as Arsenal did with Rice, is more important than chasing headline fees.
Although Spurs recently received £100m in funding from the Lewis family, with more expected, Frank said he is confident the board will back him. He added that the club’s owners have signalled long-term commitment and a desire for sustained success.
