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Thomas Frank is clearly a clever man. The Tottenham Hotspur manager is a bona fide tactician, and he has credentials in the Premier League after lifting Brentford into the top flight and keeping them there with a flourish.

But the Danish coach’s skills haven’t yet translated to Tottenham, not in the same manner, not with the same snap and grace.

Tottenham are 11th in the league standings, and they have two points from their past five matches. Home ground misery has spilt from last season into the new campaign, and this is forming the crux of a general air of frustration that may threaten Frank’s tenure if he does not find a solution quickly.

Much has been made of the north Londoners’ creative problems this season, but Frank’s resilient and organised defensive structure is also leaving something to be desired, prompting Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici to start searching for reinforcements.

Spurs searching for a defender

Frank’s well-ordered system lends itself to stability in the Premier League. He is not known as an attack-centric coach, but the rises of Bryan Mbeumo, Ivan Toney and Yoane Wissa bear testament to his man-management skills and tactical expertise across the board.

But it’s clear that Tottenham need more high-quality depth at the rear, with questionable recruitment in recent years leading to a lopsided outfit that quite simply doesn’t boast the wider quality to challenge at the very top of the division.

Burnley

28

28.8

West Ham

28

23.1

Nott’m Forest

22

21.3

Leeds

26

19.7

Tottenham

18

19.5

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are talented centre-halves, but the pool is shallow beneath them, and that’s why Tottenham are gearing up for a winter raid on a Premier League rival.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are preparing an ambitious £40m bid for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who has been among the standouts for Fabian Hurzeler this season.

The Dutchman is physical and technically dynamic, and given that he is contracted to the AMEX until 2027, now represents the perfect time to strike.

What Van Hecke would offer Spurs

Van Hecke, 25 years old, has been at Brighton since signing from NAC Breda in 2022, spending his first two years out on loan and since featuring 107 times across all competitions. He was immense last term, earning praise for his “unbelievable season” from his manager.

You may have seen Van Hecke’s name crop up in recent days. He netted a brace during Brighton’s frantic 4-3 defeat to winning machine Aston Villa, emulating both Romero and Van de Ven in that regard.

Standing at 6 foot 2 and with a limber frame, the Netherlands native is fast becoming one of the most dynamic and athletic centre-backs in the Premier League, ranking among the top 5% of positional peers in the division this season for goals scored, the top 21% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 1% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

This underscores both his athleticism and proactivity on the ball. In this, he shares traits with Romero, who has scored three times but also assisted two goals across all competitions this year.

But the central point here is that Van Hecke is good enough to start; he would not move to the capital and play under Frank only to languish on the fringes.

Romero is the captain and a real talismanic force for a squad in need of guidance, but given Van Hecke’s enterprising passing and willingness to run, might he threaten countryman Van de Ven’s place in the starting line-up?

Matches (starts)

13 (13)

14 (14)

Goals

3

3

Assists

0

0

Touches*

69.2

86.4

Accurate passes*

53.2 (91%)

62.6 (87%)

Dribbles*

0.3

0.1

Ball recoveries*

3.7

3.1

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

2.5

Clearances*

3.5

5.1

Duels (won)*

3.4 (51%)

5.6 (60%)

Errors

2

1

Van de Ven simply isn’t winning enough duels this season. He is an elite athletic profile and a force to be reckoned with, but there is gas in the tank he is not burning right now, and a true challenger for his starting spot could jumpstart him into action.

Then again, Van Hecke does have the quality to nail down a berth, with former striker Pierre van Hooijdonk actually describing him as a “positively crazy” defender, something that can work in your favour as a centre-back, if harnessed effectively.

This Romero-esque player could prove a jackpot signing for Tottenham if signed, not only deepening Frank’s options but also enriching the quality of a team that has more to give.

Spurs star is becoming Frank's own version of Kane & he's not even a forward

This Tottenham star is becoming a talismanic force for Frank’s side.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025

Tottenham are looking to sell a Spurs regular who Thomas Frank no longer wants with the January transfer window looming, according to a new report today.

Tottenham's rumoured plans for the January transfer window

If there’s one thing the last month has taught us, it is that the Lilywhites are still far from the finished article.

Tepid London derby defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea in the last few weeks, where Spurs barely managed to threaten in either encounter, significantly highlight the need for more firepower in particular.

Striker Dominic Solanke remains out with an ankle injury that required minor surgery, while star playmakers James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are still working to come back from their respective long-term problems.

This has left Spurs starved of attacking quality at times, with summer signing Xavi Simons largely failing to impress bar a player of the match display at home to FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

xG

11.0

17th

Non-penalty xG

11.0

16th

Progressive passes

413

12th

Shots

110

19th

Shots on target

40

15th

Average shot distance

15.6 yards

17th

A silver lining for the north Londoners was Randal Kolo Muani’s exceptional outing against parent club PSG in Europe on Wednesday, where the Frenchman bagged a brace and an assist during the thrilling eight-goal thriller in Paris.

However, amid Solanke’s injury problems and the uncertainty surrounding Kolo Muani’s long-term future, considering he is only on a dry loan, reports suggest that Tottenham could look to sign a striker in January.

Co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange are also targeting a winger, with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo on their radar.

Semenyo, who has stood out as one of the Premier League’s finest attacking players this season, could leave for just £65 million during the early stages of January due to a release clause in his contract.

Ex-club chief now tips Tottenham to sign Man City star for £50m in January

A deal is apparently there to be done.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 28, 2025

Some media sources claim that Tottenham are prepared to shatter their winter transfer record by signing both Semenyo and FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, with the latter in excellent goalscoring form right now.

To fund such a big investment, player sales may be needed, and one man believed to be on the chopping block is striker Richarlison.

Tottenham looking to offload Richarlison in January

According to recent reports, despite selecting him 20 times this season, whether that be in the starting eleven or from the bench, Frank views Richarlison as ‘expendable’ heading into 2026.

Now, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that Tottenham are looking to sell Richarlison in January.

Amid concerns surrounding inconsistent form and the fact his contract expires in 2027, it is clear to see why.

The Brazil international has actually scored six goals and bagged a further two assists this term, including two stunning goal of the season contenders against Burnley and Arsenal respectively.

However, Richarlison has still come under criticism this season, and January represents an opportunity to offload for a significant fee before it is too late.

The 28-year-old cost £60 million to sign from Everton, and reports suggest that Richarlison could return to Goodison Park as one mooted destination.

Gilkes (99), Patterson (73) and Green (38*) took NSW to 288, before Green and Sangha shared eight wickets

AAP20-Sep-2025NSW wicketkeeper Matthew Gilkes had been run out for 99 but spinners Tanveer Sangha and Chris Green wreaked havoc in a crushing 131-run One-Day Cup win over defending champions South Australia in Sydney.Gilkes (99 off 107 balls) was run out by a direct hit from Jason Sangha in the 44th over after pushing for a quick single in his quest to bring up his century in Saturday’s clash at Cricket Central.Despite that heartbreak, the bulk of the damage had already been done, with Gilkes and Kurtis Patterson (73 off 84 balls) having combined for a 140-run stand earlier in the innings as NSW posted a competitive 288 for 7.Green added a handy 38 not out off 19 balls in a blistering late cameo that featured three sixes and three fours.In reply, South Australia were skittled for 157 in 36.3 overs after being torn to shreds by legspinner Sangha (4 for 35) and offspinner Green (4 for 25), securing NSW the bonus-point win.The Redbacks were well placed in their run chase at 84 for 1 after 15 overs following a solid knock from opener Mackenzie Harvey (60 off 55 balls). But Sangha’s first wicket, the scalp of Daniel Drew, sparked a collapse of 7 for 30 as the run chase ended limply.Sangha followed up the dismissal of Drew by snaring dangerman Alex Carey for 8. And by the time Green snared a sharp caught-and-bowled chance to send Harvey packing, and then Sangha dismissed Jake Lehmann for a duck, South Australia had slumped to 100 for 6, and it was effectively game over.

Phillies fans weren't having it after watching their team get dominated by the Dodgers for two games of the National League Division Series.

On Monday night, Philadelphia fell to Los Angeles 4-3 after losing Game 1 by a score of 5-3 on Saturday. Things got so bad for the Philly faithful that they actually booed their own closer.

The Phillies trailed the Dodgers 4-1 entering the top of the ninth inning, and Jhoan Duran came out to his closer entrance, which features the stadium lights going off, flames, etc. It’s an entrance that exudes confidence and a sense of inevitability when Duran is entering a game with the lead and looking to close out a win. When his job is “keep the deficit to three runs,” the pyro is far less endearing.

The team's fans were not impressed or enthused, and booed as he entered the game.

Video is below.

That's rough.

Duran did his job. He allowed a double and a walk, but got out of the frame without allowing a run.

Philadelphia mounted a ninth-inning comeback, as Alec Bohm singled to lead off the inning, then J.T. Realmuto and Nick Castellanos followed with doubles to cut L.A.'s lead to 4-3.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson then called for Bryson Stott to bunt Castellanos over, but the veteran outfielder was thrown out going to third. Harrison Bader followed with a single, but Max Kepler and Trea Turner authored back-to-back groundouts to end the game with the tying and go-ahead runs on base.

One of MLB's best home-field advantages has now been squandered. The Phillies were 55-26 at home this season, and they lost the first two NLDS games in their own park. Now they'll have to win each of the next three games to advance. That's a tall order when facing the defending World Series champs.

Plenty has changed since we last discussed the American League and National League Most Valuable Player races.

While Shohei Ohtani maintains his reign over the National League, still a clear-cut favorite to lock down his fourth MVP award in five years, the American League is much less set in stone. That's due to an injury sustained by Aaron Judge and the Yankees star's subsequent struggles in his return to the lineup. Additionally, Mariners star Cal Raleigh has found his power stroke again lately after a prolonged cold spell, tightening what should be a memorable AL MVP battle.

There's still over a month to go, so plenty can still change as teams begin to make their final push for the postseason.

Let's take a look at how the MVP races are currently shaking up:

National League MVP Race1. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter/pitcher

Ohtani has continued to dominate for the Dodgers, and he's been excellent on the mound since being given the green light to pitch again. While he's not pitching deep into games, that's all part of the plan as he continues to stretch out after not toeing the rubber since 2023.

Serving as L.A.'s leadoff hitter, Ohtani is slashing .284/.389/.624 with 42 home runs, 78 RBIs, 17 steals and an MLB-leading 112 runs, which is 20 more than the league's next highest run scorer. On the mound, he's pitched 19 innings across eight appearances and boasts a 2.37 ERA with 25 strikeouts.

Ohtani was nearly a lock to win NL MVP before he got back onto the mound. Now that he's pitching, and doing so at a high level, there's not much that can be done to catch him.

2. Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter

Kyle Schwarber has been enjoying his best season yet at age 32, and he's taken his game to a new level in the second half of the season. Schwarber has 12 home runs in his last 22 games, and owns a 1.109 OPS in that same span. On the year, he's launched 42 home runs, and he's well within reach of surpassing his previous career high of 47. The slugger has now hit 40 or more homers in three of the last four years.

Schwarber remains a long shot to truly challenge Ohtani for the MVP, but he's been putting on a show for the Phillies faithful. He's already registered a 4.0 bWAR in 118 games, the best mark of his career, and can build on that during the remaining weeks of the season.

3. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs outfielder

Pete Crow-Armstrong has been outstanding for the Cubs, and he ranks second in all of MLB with a 6.0 bWAR, trailing only Aaron Judge. At the plate, Crow-Armstrong has a .822 OPS with 27 home runs and 78 RBIs. He's leading the National League with 31 doubles, too. On the base paths, he's been elite. The 23-year-old has 30 steals on 35 attempts, making him one of just three players in MLB to steal 30 or more bases and get thrown out five or less times.

Defensively, he's been equally remarkable in center field. He ranks third in MLB with 18 outs above average, per Statcast, and is the only outfielder in baseball with more than 15 OAA. He's prevented 17 runs on the year, often covering tremendous distances in the outfield in order to chase down a fly ball. He's emerged as a true star on both sides in 2025 and while an MVP doesn't seem likely, there's no denying how impressive he's been.

Honorable mentions: Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, Padres third baseman Manny Machado, Cubs outfielder Kyle TuckerAmerican League MVP Race1. Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners

Has Raleigh finally overtaken Aaron Judge in the AL MVP race? Raleigh went cold for a brief spell after the All-Star break, but has since bounced back and continued his historic season. The league-leader in home runs is now up to 45 on the year after going yard in three consecutive games over the weekend, and he's on the verge of setting the record for most home runs by a catcher in a single season.

Raleigh is slashing .247/.354/.593 with 45 home runs, 98 RBIs and and incredible 168 OPS+. He's also been a contributor on the base paths, with 13 steals on 16 attempts. Defensively, he's been sound as ever. After winning the Platinum Glove in 2024, Raleigh has been an elite backstop for the Mariners' top-tier pitching staff, while also throwing out 16 runners on the base paths, second most in MLB.

2. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

Judge's elbow injury cost him some time on the field, and he hasn't looked like his usual self since being reinserted back into the lineup. Judge has 37 home runs and a 1.131 OPS on the year, truly remarkable numbers, but he's struggled over the last month. In his last 13 games, the star outfielder has a .620 OPS with just two home runs and six RBIs. He's also struck out 17 times in that span.

With Judge still not looking quite right after his IL stint, he may be falling behind Raleigh in the MVP race. It's tight, however, and he could just as easily regain his place atop the ladder if both he and the Yankees are able to return to form.

3. Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

It's a rare feat for a pitcher to win the MVP. That doesn't seem a likely outcome in 2025, but Tarik Skubal is certainly making a case for himself to win the award. Skubal seems like a lock to win the American League Cy Young award, and his dominance on the mound deserves at least some consideration in the MVP discussion, even if it is as an outside contender.

Skubal ranks third in MLB with 187 strikeouts in 145 1/3 innings. He boasts an ERA of 2.35, second only to Paul Skenes among qualified starters. Skubal's ability to mow down hitters and avoid giving out free passes has been crucial to his success. He's walked just 21 batters, the fewest among qualified starters, and has a pristine 0.86 WHIP on the year.

Honorable mentions: Guardians third baseman José Ramírez, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz

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