Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is looking at Wilson Odobert as an in-house solution to replace Son Heung-min
Tottenham Hotspur fans have been reeling after watching their icon Son Heung-min depart N17 for MLS earlier this week.
The South Korean forward has been brilliant servant to Spurs, making over 450 appearances and lifting the club’s first trophy after 17 long years. Following an emotional farewell in Seoul after the Newcastle United friendly on Sunday, the next chapter of the 33-year-old’s career was confirmed on Wednesday when he completed a move to Los Angeles FC for an MLS-record transfer fee of $26.5m.
Losing such a key player like Son Heung-min is obviously a blow for new Spurs boss Thomas Frank heading into his first season in north London. Tottenham now face an uphill task of replacing their former skipper and one of the most consistent players in the Premier League for close to a decade. The Lilywhites have the opportunity to dip into the transfer market to bring in a replacement, but Thomas Frank appears to have found an in-house solution.
Journo reveals Thomas Frank has taken a real shine at Wilson Odobert
Frank has the likes of Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson, Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel as wide players currently at his disposal.
As per Football London journalist Alasdair Gold, the Danish tactician has taken a “real shine” at Wilson Odobert. He adds the north London club are unlikely to add another left-winger to his squad at this stage, unless there is another exit as they are well stocked in that position.
“I think if someone else were to leave, then I think they’d look to get in a replacement, but I think right now, you could play Odobert, Tel, Richarlison, Johnson and Kudus there,” Alasdair Gold said on Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham podcast.
“Bringing someone else there and blocking young players’ paths, when is Mikey Moore ever going to get a game for Spurs if you keep putting players in that position.
“From what I understand, he’s taken a real shine to Odobert; he thinks he’s going to be something special.”
Wilson Odobert has chance to cement his spot on the left wing
Odobert’s debut season at Tottenham following his move from Burnley in 2024 was ravaged by a long-term injury. The Frenchman was sidelined for over three months following a hamstring surgery, and after he returned to action, he could not find the rhythm and consistency to nail down a regular spot in the team under former boss Ange Postecoglou.
Now with Frank at the helm and Son gone, the 20-year-old has a great opportunity to cement his spot on the left flank. Frank has preferred Johnson off the left in most pre-season games, but as per Gold, he feels Odobert has the qualities to become something special. This suggests the Meaux-born talent has impressed the 51-year-old with his work on the training pitches and given something different to the Tottenham attack than the rest of the wide players.
All in all, Gold’s latest revelation only bodes well for Odobert, who must look to keep himself fit this season and consistently produce the goods for Spurs.