Thomas Frank comments on Tottenham’s standing in the transfer market.
Thomas Frank has confirmed Tottenham Hotspur remain active in the transfer market ahead of Monday’s deadline while providing encouraging injury updates on Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Djed Spence.
The Danish manager addressed the media following Tottenham’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, with Spurs facing pressure to strengthen their squad during the final hours of the January window. The club currently sits 14th in the Premier League and remains desperately short of options due to a mounting injury crisis. He said (h/t football.london):
“We are active no doubt about that. If something happens let’s see.”
Tottenham have already signed Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid for £35 million and Brazil left-back Souza on a long-term deal this month, but supporters are calling for further reinforcements given the club’s precarious league position and lengthy injury list.
Frank’s reluctance to provide specifics about transfer targets reflects the uncertainty surrounding late-window negotiations. Tottenham have been linked with several players in recent days but missing out on Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City earlier this month highlighted the difficulties of competing for top targets.
Cristian Romero sidelined
However, Frank did offer more positive news regarding his injured players. Romero was substituted at halftime during the City draw after aggravating a previous issue, raising concerns about his availability for crucial upcoming fixtures. Frank continued:
“Some of them we hopefully have Cuti is minor.”
Van de Ven missed the Manchester City match but could return for next weekend’s trip to Old Trafford. Frank stated:
“Micky we hope is back for Man United.”
Spence suffered an injury during Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt and was unavailable for Sunday’s match. Frank indicated the right-back’s absence should be relatively short-term, stating:
“Djed we hope won’t be too long.”
The injury updates offer rare positive news for Frank amid Tottenham’s disastrous domestic campaign. The club have won just two of their last 15 Premier League matches and are winless in six league games, extending their run without victory to the longest of the season.
Tottenham face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday in a fixture that could prove decisive for Frank’s future. United are themselves in transition under interim manager Michael Carrick but will view the visit of struggling Spurs as an opportunity to strengthen their push for Champions League qualification.
Having Van de Ven available would represent a significant boost given Tottenham’s defensive frailties. The Dutch center-back has been one of their most consistent performers this season, and his pace provides crucial protection against counter-attacks that have repeatedly exposed Spurs’ high defensive line.
Romero’s fitness is equally important given his leadership qualities and defensive ability. The Argentine was booked during the first half against City before being substituted, and Frank will hope the issue is minor enough to allow his captain to feature at Old Trafford.
Whether Tottenham make any late additions before Monday’s deadline remains uncertain, but Frank’s acknowledgment that the club remain “active” suggests possibilities exist. Any new signings would need to make an immediate impact to help Spurs climb away from the relegation zone and ease the mounting pressure on their embattled manager.