Spurs begin contract negotiations with Frank’s ‘sensational’ new player Mohamed Kudus

Coffee Cupgate added another layer to Thomas Frank’s stifling tenure at Tottenham Hotspur. There is a man whose face has become wrinkled over the past six months, and who is being flattered by those who are cheating in the Premier League.

Spurs made up for a dismal 2024/25 season with a Europa League victory, defeating Manchester United in the final, but it was an exhausting and alarming fixture that was an eyesore for the neutrals.

Tottenham didn’t care. This often happens in finals. And they ended a long drought and paved the way for the Champions League. But Ange Postecoglou, the man behind the success, was quickly sacked, and then Daniel Levy, who pulled the lever, followed him out the door.

Now, Brennan Johnson has been sold to Crystal Palace for £35m. The Welsh winger was instrumental in the winner against Bilbao, but his struggles were emblematic of Tottenham’s broader struggles under Frank.

Spurs begin negotiations on Johnson’s replacement

Tottenham bid farewell to Johnson before the transfer window opened up, and although he scored well in N17, this season has been a disaster on an individual level and changes have been needed from everyone involved.

Mohamed Kudus’ injury, which will keep the Ghanaian sidelined until April, was an unexpected setback. The Lilywhites’ assist leader is a unique and dangerous presence, which has now been recognized by ENIC Group, highlighting the need for winter reinforcements.

Perhaps that is why inquiries are being made for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Mane. This is according to TEAMtalk, who highlight that the 18-year-old has received numerous calls from Premier League suitors after his strong emergence in recent weeks. Arsenal and Chelsea have also been mentioned.

Wolves won’t be selling their most prized prospect this month, but Rob Edwards’ bottom-of-the-table side are certainly doomed and a sale could give them some financial breathing room as they plan to bounce back quickly from next season’s Championship.

Why Matheus Mane is perfect for Spurs

It is important not to put too much stress on the Premier League’s up-and-coming talent. But as Sir Matt Busby once said, “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”

Mane is old enough. As the name suggests, this flashy and direct wide forward has plenty of chances to make it big. Mane, who was praised by manager Edwards for his “sensational” goal in the recent draw with Everton at Hill-Dickinson, plays without fear and has developed a keen sense in front of goal.

This may be a little premature as he has started just four league games to his name, but it speaks to his skill and confidence that he is shining in such a dangerous team, which has been pivotal in their mini-resurgence in recent weeks.

According to Sofascore, Mane won five games against Everton, as well as a win against West Ham United the previous game. Old Gold’s old manager Vitor Pereira described him as a “special” talent at the start of the campaign, and that is now reality.

Mane said after the win against the Hammers that he was “not afraid of anything” and it shows. He’s certainly raw, but watching him run up the pitch and into dangerous areas is really exciting. In this respect, he is not very similar to Kudus.

Kudus joined from West Ham in the summer for £55 million. He’s not perfect, but he’s a good person. This year, the 24-year-old has brought a new kind of threat, a source of entertainment and a spark of creativity to dimly lit rooms.

Considering the maverick is set to miss the majority of the season, it might be worth throwing the kitchen sink at the Wolves’ budding star.

Mane has already shown he has what it takes to become one of the most dangerous wingers in the division, and after recent events (and against the backdrop of pre-existing attacking problems), Tottenham could get away with signing him.