Tottenham Hotspur are entering a new chapter under recently appointed manager Thomas Frank, following the departure of Ange Postecoglou—a decision that surprised many, considering the Australian had just guided the club to Europa League success, ending a 17-year trophy drought. However, Postecoglou’s poor Premier League campaign, which saw Spurs narrowly avoid a relegation scrap, ultimately proved to be his undoing.
Now with Frank at the helm, the club is determined to make a fresh start, not only in philosophy and style but also in personnel. A rebuild is clearly underway, with the board committed to giving the Danish tactician the tools needed to implement his high-energy, system-driven approach. Defensive solidity, a major issue last season, has become the immediate priority.
According to trusted transfer source Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham’s first signing under Thomas Frank is all but complete. Japanese centre-back Kota Takai, a highly-rated 20-year-old from Kawasaki Frontale, is expected to be officially unveiled in the coming days after a £5 million deal was struck earlier this week.
Takai, who has already captained his side and made over 50 senior appearances in the J-League, is widely seen as a future star. His experience in the Asian Champions League has further boosted his reputation, and Spurs have moved swiftly to secure the young defender’s signature ahead of other suitors. The transfer fee represents a record for a Japanese defender moving abroad, underlining just how highly he is regarded.
The move to bring in Takai follows the decision to make Kevin Danso’s loan deal from RC Lens permanent, giving Frank two new options to work with as he reshapes a backline that often looked disorganized and exposed last season. Tottenham’s defensive frailties were well-documented, and a strong foundation at the back will be key if the club are to bounce back and re-establish themselves in the top half of the Premier League.
While central defense is being addressed, it’s not the only area requiring reinforcement. Tottenham’s full-back positions—critical in Frank’s tactical setup—came under heavy scrutiny last season, particularly on the left side. With Sergio Reguilon released following the expiry of his contract, Destiny Udogie remains the only natural left-back in the squad. Although Archie Gray impressed when asked to fill in there, the club knows it cannot head into the new campaign so short in a key position.
Reports from TBR Football now suggest that Tottenham are in a transfer tussle with Leeds United for the signing of Lukas Ullrich, an emerging German left-back currently playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach. Ullrich, who joined the Bundesliga side on a free transfer from Hertha Berlin in 2023, has enjoyed a breakout season, registering three goal contributions in 26 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign.
His strong performances have earned him a call-up to the Germany U21 squad for the European Under-21 Championship, where he’s already caught the eye—playing a full 90 minutes and providing an assist in Germany’s 2-1 win over England in the group stage. With just two years remaining on his current deal, Mönchengladbach are keen to tie him down to fresh terms, but are also aware of intensifying interest from England.
Tottenham are not the only Premier League club monitoring Ullrich’s situation. Crystal Palace, Everton, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest have all expressed varying degrees of interest in the 20-year-old, while Leeds are also actively pursuing him as a replacement for Junior Firpo, who is set to leave Elland Road on a free transfer this summer.
Chairman Daniel Levy appears determined to support his new manager by acting quickly in the transfer window. Strengthening the full-back areas is particularly vital given Frank’s tactical preference for wide players who contribute both defensively and in build-up play. With Pedro Porro and Djed Spence expected to compete for the right-back role, the left-back slot remains dangerously thin—prompting Spurs to prioritize the pursuit of Ullrich.
Frank’s swift move for Kota Takai and interest in Lukas Ullrich are clear indicators of a manager keen to lay the groundwork early and build a squad in his own image. The blend of youth, athleticism, and tactical intelligence these players bring aligns well with his footballing principles.
As Tottenham continue to reshape their squad this summer, fans can expect further changes, but the early signs are promising. The message from the club is clear: last season’s struggles will not be repeated, and under Thomas Frank, a new identity is taking shape—one built on discipline, youth development, and a return to competitive consistency in the Premier League.
