Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Faces Pre-Season Challenges Amid Morgan Gibbs-White Transfer Saga

As Tottenham Hotspur gears up for the 2025-26 football season, the club faces significant hurdles both on and off the pitch. The failed pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White has been a major setback, compounded by ongoing squad challenges that new head coach Thomas Frank must address urgently. The pre-season so far has been a mixed bag, with glimpses of promise overshadowed by glaring issues that need resolution.

The Morgan Gibbs-White Transfer Saga

The pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White by Tottenham Hotspur dominated headlines throughout July. Initially, the club appeared close to sealing the deal, reportedly activating the player’s £60 million release clause and even scheduling a medical. However, Nottingham Forest, led by owner Evangelos Marinakis, claimed Spurs had made an illegal approach and blocked the transfer. On July 26, Forest announced that Gibbs-White had signed a new contract with the club until 2028, effectively ending Tottenham’s hopes of acquiring the 25-year-old playmaker.

Forest’s statement emphasized their commitment to keeping Gibbs-White, with Marinakis stating, “Morgan is a special player – not just in terms of talent, but character and mentality. He represents everything we want this football club to be.” Gibbs-White echoed the sentiment, expressing his belief in Forest’s ambitious plans. According to LondonWorld, this outcome highlights Forest’s determination to retain their core players, especially after losing Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United earlier this summer.

Tottenham’s inability to secure Gibbs-White has raised questions about their transfer strategy. As Squawka noted, while Gibbs-White is a talented playmaker who enjoyed a standout season at Forest, his statistics do not significantly outshine Tottenham’s existing attacking options, such as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. This raises the question of whether the pursuit was worth the effort and controversy in the first place.

Thomas Frank’s Pre-Season Challenges

Thomas Frank, who took over as Tottenham’s head coach this summer, faces a steep learning curve. The club’s pre-season has been underwhelming, with back-to-back draws against League One sides Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town. Frank himself admitted that the team struggled to find rhythm and cohesion, particularly in the Luton match, which he described as “out of sync.”

The absence of key players like Maddison and Kulusevski, both sidelined due to injuries, has left a creative void in the squad. Maddison, recovering from a knee injury, is back in training but did not feature in the recent friendlies. Kulusevski, meanwhile, is still recovering from patella surgery and is not expected to return for the start of the Premier League season. As The Athletic highlighted, the failure to sign Gibbs-White has exacerbated this issue, leaving Spurs without a clear solution to their lack of creativity in midfield.

Squad Depth and Tactical Adjustments

One of Frank’s immediate tasks is to address Tottenham’s lack of depth in key positions. The defensive midfield role, in particular, remains a concern. While the team boasts several talented midfielders, including Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, and Pape Matar Sarr, none fit the profile of a traditional defensive anchor. This was evident in the pre-season games, where the midfield struggled to control the tempo and protect the backline.

Frank has also experimented with tactical setups, including a 4-3-3 formation that could accommodate multiple attacking players. However, integrating new signings like Mohammed Kudus into a cohesive system remains a work in progress. Kudus, known for his dribbling and attacking flair, offers promise but cannot single-handedly solve the team’s creative issues.

The Son Heung-min Dilemma

Another pressing question for Tottenham is the role of Son Heung-min. The South Korean star, who captained the team to Europa League glory last season, has seen his productivity decline with age. At 33, Son remains an influential figure both on and off the pitch, but his performances last season suggest he may no longer be the world-class winger he once was.

Reports from The Athletic indicate that Major League Soccer side LAFC has expressed interest in signing Son. While his departure would mark the end of an era, retaining him could provide valuable leadership for a young squad navigating a challenging season. Balancing Son’s contributions with the need for fresh talent will be a key decision for Frank and the club’s management.

Looking Ahead

Tottenham’s pre-season preparations are set to continue with a tour of Asia, including matches against Arsenal and Newcastle United. These games will offer Frank an opportunity to fine-tune his tactics and evaluate his squad against stronger opposition. However, the clock is ticking, and the challenges are mounting. The UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain on August 13 looms large, and Spurs must address their issues swiftly to avoid a rocky start to the season.

While the failed Gibbs-White transfer and pre-season struggles have cast a shadow over Tottenham’s summer, they also present an opportunity for the club to regroup and refocus. With Thomas Frank at the helm, Spurs have a chance to build a resilient team capable of competing on multiple fronts. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether they can rise to the occasion.