Tottenham Make Major Decision on Thomas Frank’s Future as Sacking Cost Comes to Light
Thomas Frank Granted More Time as Tottenham Weigh Cost of Managerial Change
Thomas Frank has been handed additional time to reverse Tottenham Hotspur’s worrying Premier League form, despite growing concern the club could yet be dragged into a relegation fight and amid reports that a high-profile coach is open to taking over during the season.
Spurs remain on the brink of qualification for the Champions League knockout phase, with a positive result away to Eintracht Frankfurt this week capable of securing their place in the last 32. However, domestic form tells a very different story. Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Burnley, rescued by a stoppage-time header from Cristian Romero, left the north London side sitting 14th in the league table.
Tottenham are now winless in five league matches, increasing the pressure on Frank and sparking speculation over his future. While reports last week suggested the club had begun exploring alternatives — with one Italian coach emerging as a leading candidate — it was also confirmed that the hierarchy are not yet ready to dismiss the Dane, opting instead to allow him time to correct the downturn in results. That position has since been reinforced, with ENIC continuing to back the manager.
Despite that support, football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley has estimated that removing Frank would cost the club in the region of £8 million, with his contract running until the summer of 2028. Plumley explained that although managers rarely receive the full value of their remaining contracts when dismissed, most agreements include a predetermined termination clause. Based on reported salary figures of around £8 million per year, the likely compensation figure would sit close to that amount.
Tottenham face a demanding run of fixtures, with matches against Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Arsenal coming up in quick succession. With Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Leeds improving their form, the gap between Spurs and the relegation zone has narrowed to approximately eight points, increasing concerns over their league position.
In that context, speculation has grown that former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez would be willing to take charge at Tottenham immediately. The Spaniard, who has also been linked with Manchester United, is believed to be keen on testing himself in the Premier League. Transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke has indicated that while Xavi’s free-agent status makes him an attractive option, he may not currently be the leading candidate for either club should managerial changes be made.
Elsewhere, Tottenham have been informed by Liverpool that Andy Robertson is not for sale following discussions over a £5 million deal, with key figures at Anfield playing a role in keeping the defender at the club. Spurs are also reportedly monitoring a Serie A goalkeeper whose valuation would place him among the most expensive in history, while interest has also been noted in a Napoli defender as the club looks to strengthen a back line that has struggled in recent weeks.
