Tottenham’s Thomas Frank Details Efforts to Sign Antoine Semenyo Before Man City Move
Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach, Thomas Frank, expressed disappointment over the club’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth before his transfer to Manchester City. The deal, which reportedly cost City £64 million, highlighted the ongoing commitment from the Lewis family, who hold a majority stake in the club.
Efforts to Sign Antoine Semenyo
Frank stated that the management team had worked diligently to bring Semenyo into their squad. The desire to reinforce the roster became more pressing following injuries to key players Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison, along with the recent transfer of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace. Despite their efforts, Spurs have only acquired Conor Gallagher and Souza during the current transfer window.
Transfer Window Analysis
- Date of the transfer attempt: February 2024
- Previous interest: Spurs had targeted Semenyo during the summer before he renewed his contract with Bournemouth.
- Match performance: Semenyo scored against Tottenham in a recent match prior to his transfer.
The failed acquisition of Semenyo has drawn criticism towards the club’s management, but Frank defended their approach. He emphasized the importance of long-term planning over short-term fixes, affirming that the club is focused on sustainable success.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Frank hinted at a significant summer transfer period for the club. He encouraged patience from fans, acknowledging the challenges of operating in the current transfer market.
Fan Reactions and Protests
Frustration among supporters has grown due to Tottenham’s recent performances, with the team sitting 14th in the Premier League and having secured only two wins in their last 14 matches. A fan group, ‘Change for Tottenham’, has organized protests with the slogan “it’s time to act” ahead of the match against Manchester City.
Injury and Squad Updates
In addition to their transfer challenges, Spurs face injury concerns, with coach Frank confirming he will make a late decision on Micky van de Ven after a minor injury prevented him from participating in their recent win against Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite the return of Pedro Porro and Richarlison potentially at the end of February, the team could still be without as many as eight players in upcoming matches.
In conclusion, while Tottenham Hotspur has faced challenges in the transfer window and player performance, the management remains hopeful for a brighter future with strategic planning and recruitment on the horizon.
