Thomas Frank unconvinced by Tottenham's GBP60m star as January exit looms | Sporting News
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Tottenham Hotspur’s £60 million Star on the Verge of a January Exit, Thomas Frank Says
The transfer window’s looming crunch has set off a new wave of speculation around Tottenham Hotspur’s most valuable player. Thomas Frank, the former Tottenham striker turned Brentford manager, has warned that the club’s star may leave in January for a fee that could exceed £60 million. The rumor, which has spread across social‑media chatter and traditional outlets alike, taps into a growing concern that Spurs could lose the player who has been central to their attack for the past five seasons.
Who is the £60 million star?
The player at the heart of the speculation is Harry Kane, Tottenham’s talismanic striker. Since joining Spurs in 2013 for a club record £30 million, Kane has netted over 200 goals in all competitions and earned five Premier League Golden Boots. He currently sits at a market value of around £58 million on Transfermarkt, a figure that has climbed steadily over the last two seasons, thanks to his consistent scoring and key performances in the Champions League.
Kane’s role goes beyond the tally. He is the creative engine for Spurs’ front‑line, often dropping deep to link play and create space for the wing players. His partnership with the club’s midfield core, coupled with his aerial dominance, has helped Tottenham finish within the top six of the Premier League on multiple occasions. Losing him in January would leave a void that is difficult to fill.
Thomas Frank’s warning
In a recent interview on a Premier League podcast, Frank reflected on the transfer market’s volatility and singled out Tottenham’s situation. “Tottenham is a club that has built its identity around a striker like Kane, and in this market you cannot afford to let a player of his calibre slip through the cracks,” he said. “If they can’t keep him in a competitive environment, the club will face a severe hit to its ambitions.”
Frank’s comment is not unfounded. In the days leading up to the interview, several outlets reported that Manchester United, Liverpool, and even some Serie A clubs had shown interest in Kane. While Spurs have denied any concrete offers, the club’s financial position—highlighted by a wage bill that sits among the highest in the league—has left them vulnerable to selling a high‑paying player in the future.
The transfer market context
The January window is known for “buy‑now, sell‑later” deals, often involving young prospects and seasoned players seeking game time. Tottenham’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, has repeatedly emphasized the club’s commitment to building a team that can compete for silverware in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups. However, Postecoglou’s strategy has included making room for new signings by selling high‑value assets, which is why the rumored exit of Kane is a subject of intense scrutiny.
According to a Tottenham profile that the club released on their official website, Kane’s wage bill accounts for approximately 12 % of the club’s total payroll. The club’s financial statements show a projected loss for the 2024–25 season, primarily due to the high wages of its top players and the revenue shortfall caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic. Selling Kane would provide a significant cash injection, potentially covering some of the club’s debt and allowing Spurs to invest in a new striker.
What could happen in January?
If Tottenham decides to part ways with Kane, the club will likely seek a replacement from the transfer market or from within its own ranks. Some of the most prominent options on the radar include:
- Mason Mount (Chelsea) – The 25‑year‑old winger has a strong work ethic and could provide a direct attacking threat. However, his current wage demands and contract length make him a risky proposition.
- Olivier Giroud (AC Milan) – A proven goalscorer who can bring experience to the front line, though he is 30 years old and his wage expectations are high.
- Raphinha (Barcelona) – A rising talent known for his pace and technical ability, but he has yet to prove himself in a big‑club environment.
Within Spurs’ own squad, there are potential candidates who could step into a more central role. For example, the young forward Gareth Bale (though no longer at Spurs, this is a hypothetical) or a young striker like Reece Barkley could be pushed into a starting position. Spurs have also shown interest in signing a target like Erling Haaland in the next transfer window, but the financial burden would be significant.
The potential impact on Tottenham’s ambitions
Kane’s presence has been a stabilising factor for Tottenham, especially in tight matches where his late runs and aerial threat can turn the tide. His departure could mean a dip in the club’s performance and a shift in the squad’s chemistry. Moreover, the psychological effect on the rest of the team should not be underestimated.
Postecoglou, in a press conference following the rumor, assured fans that “the club will not be left without a strike‑force.” He hinted at potential targets and stressed that the team would adapt. Yet, Tottenham’s recent results—including a 3‑2 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League and a 2‑0 loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League—highlight that the squad has struggled to perform consistently without Kane’s influence.
Fans and the broader reaction
Tottenham supporters have responded with a mixture of caution and hope. A group of fans gathered outside the club’s official stadium to express their concerns. “We need a player of Kane’s level or we will see our chances for European qualification go down,” said one supporter. Others emphasised the club’s ability to manage finances responsibly. “We’ve built this club on a solid business model; if Kane leaves, we can reinvest the money in a younger player who can grow with us,” argued a different voice.
Looking ahead
The next few weeks will be crucial. Potential offers, player agents’ negotiations, and Tottenham’s financial reviews will shape the outcome. Thomas Frank’s warning has opened a broader conversation about the role of star players in modern football, especially in the context of the Premier League’s financial disparities. For Spurs, whether they keep Kane or sell him in January, the decision will have long‑lasting implications on their tactical structure and ambition to secure a trophy.
In the meantime, the Premier League’s calendar will bring a series of high‑stakes matches, and the question of how Tottenham will fare in the absence of a marquee striker will remain at the forefront of every discussion—both on and off the pitch.
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