We are already onto the pre-season for the Premier League 2025/26 campaign, and Tottenham Hotspur are set for their first run this summer when they face Reading this weekend, which will mark the unofficial beginning of the Thomas Frank era at Hotspur Way.
And while there will be this excitement among the Lilywhites supporters as they look to see their new head coach take charge of the proceedings for the first time, all eyes will also be looking at three potential debutants: Mohammed Kudus, Kota Takai, and Luka Vuskovic.
As Tottenham look to transition into a young side under Thomas Frank, he will also be looking to get a few wheels into motion as senior players still look to regain their fitness, and this weekend’s friendly will be a possible glimpse into the future for the North Londoner supporters.
Three possible debuts for Tottenham vs Reading this weekend
Mohammed Kudus
The Ajax academy graduate arrives as more of a sure shot, ready-made star from West Ham. And given how it’s been a while since Tottenham made a marquee signing from the Premier League whose arrival would mark a lot of excitement among the North Londoners supporters and given that he has been taking the English top tier by storm just adds to it.
We will need to see how Thomas Frank will use Kudus, off the right or left or maybe in that free-floating number #10 role. But that being said, irrespective of where he plays, the Ghanaian will bring that direct ball progression complemented by much-needed technical flair that the Lilywhites often lacked behind the centre forward in the last season.
Kota Takai
The Japan international completed his highly coveted move to Tottenham this summer transfer window, but many expect him to be either loaned out for experience or be a bits-and-parts player in his premier season at Hotspur Way. But this is his chance to impress Thomas Frank and get himself a look in the first team early in his career in England.
The Japanese central defender recently received a boost as he got the work permit, and now he can officially begin his preparation as a Tottenham player. And with a lot of uncertainty around Cristian Romero and his time at Tottenham, alongside the urge to protect Micky van de Ven, the £5 million arrival at N17 from Kawasaki Frontale can be in line to get some meaningful minutes under his belt.
Takai is a left-footed centre defender and is known for his calmness under pressure and ability to play short and long with the ball, and while he is still raw, he does possess the physical tools needed to succeed in the Premier League.
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Luka Vuskovic
There has been a lot of buzz around Vuskovic, with many Tottenham supporters looking at him as the crown jewel of the Lilywhites backline for the future. He was signed when he was only 16, with Levy forking out £12 million to attain his signatures, but now he is 18 and is finally available for first-team selection. He comes in with that massive 6’4” frame alongside his ability to dominate aerially, and then he does have a nice sense of anticipation despite his budding age.
If he comes in and gives us a calm and composed display against Reading this weekend, it can end up going a long way towards making a case for a proper involvement in the first team at N17 this season.
