Tottenham could battle Manchester United for the signing of Brentford midfielder Yehor Yarmolyuk
Tottenham Hotspur showcased their true ambition in the summer by securing several key attacking signings, providing their head coach Thomas Frank the best possible tools to build on last season’s Europa League success.
By signing the likes of Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani, the north Londoners were clear with their intent to go big in adding quality to their forward line. However, Spurs faced several setbacks in their pursuit of summer’s top transfer targets. They failed to land Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, although Thomas Frank’s club continue to monitor his situation.
As per reports from September, Frank has prioritised the signing of a new central midfielder during the January transfer window. A box-to-box midfielder appears to be on the Tottenham head coach’s agenda, and the Dane seemingly wants to reunite with one of his former protégé.
Tottenham scouts “raving” about Brentford midfielder
According to CaughtOffside’s Daily Briefing, Tottenham scouts have been “raving” about Brentford midfielder Yehor Yarmolyuk. Spurs and Manchester United appear to be showing the strongest interest in the youngster, who is also wanted by the likes of Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli.
Yehor Yarmolyuk has been playing in England since 2022 following a transfer from SC Dnipro-1. He has since made 72 appearances for Brentford, essaying various roles in midfield. The 21-year-old has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal start to the Bees’ new campaign.
The Ukrainian international starred in Brentford’s first victory of the 2025/26 Premier League season- a 3-1 home victory over Manchester United last weekend. Perhaps, watching Yarmolyuk in action from close quarters has seen him emerge as a target for Man United.
Spurs could hold advantage over Man United in Yarmolyuk’s chase
Brentford lost many key players during the summer transfer window, as well as their boss Thomas Frank, who played a massive role in the club’s promotion from the Championship and gave them stability in the Premier League. He was the boss when the Bees signed Yarmolyuk from Ukrainian club.
Now with Spurs, Frank needs to sign a central midfielder in 2026, with Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur’s contracts expiring at the end of the season. The Dane’s club will need fresher legs in the middle of the pitch, even if Bentancur signs a new deal. Yarmolyuk, in that regard, would be perfect for Tottenham, adding steel, energy, tenacity and quality to their midfield unit.
The Ukrainian would be an upgrade on Bissouma, and with Frank at the helm, Spurs could have the edge over United in the race for his signature. However, with Yarmolyuk having a contract until 2031, Brentford would seek a premium to sell him next year.