Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is an admirer of Bodo/Glimt star Petter Hauge
Tottenham saw for themselves a scare in the Champions League after falling two goals behind against Bodo Glimt at Aspmyra Stadium. Jens Petter Hauge, a player Thomas Frank once tried to sign during his Brentford days, put the hosts ahead with a goal in the 53rd minute before doubling the lead in the 66th minute.
Spurs looked rattled, but Micky van de Ven quickly pulled one back off a Pedro Porro cross, and the team eventually snatched a 2-2 draw thanks to a late deflection off Jostein Gundersen. Frank was asked about his previous connection with Hauge after the match and admitted he had tried to sign the midfielder before. Here is what the boss had to say via Goal.com:
“He was fantastic. I actually tried to sign him for Brentford a long time ago, it was good to see him again. I knew he was good and today he was exceptional. You never know what the future holds.”
Hauge also spoke about their previous interaction, recalling a Zoom meeting with Frank and a positive on-field conversation. The Norwegian midfielder started his career at Bodo Glimt and debuted professionally at just 16. He made headlines in 2020, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists in 18 league games, which earned him a move to AC Milan on a five-year deal. While his time in Italy had flashes of promise, he struggled for consistency and later joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan, a move that became permanent in 2022, eventually coming back home in January of 2025.
What could’ve been….
His return to Norway has allowed him to regain confidence, and his performance against Spurs highlighted why he once caught Frank’s attention. His ability to influence games with goals and assists makes him a natural playmaker and a forward-thinking midfielder, the type of player Spurs have often sought in their attacking ranks.
Despite the admiration, a move for Hauge in January is unlikely. Xavi Simons is someone who the club paid a lot for. With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski set to return soon, the club has limited space in midfield. Hauge’s long-term contract with Bodo Glimt, running until December 2028, further complicates any potential deal.
His performance was a reminder of his talent, but Spurs have other priorities in their squad. Frank’s praise shows he has an eye for creative talent, and the link may reemerge in the future if circumstances align, but any move would have to make sense for both the team and the player.
