Tottenham urged to part ways with Nuno-era signing who “never truly wanted to join Spurs
Spurs must offload Nuno-era signing who “never really wanted to be at Tottenham”
If supporters believed things could not sink lower than the Ange Postecoglou period at Tottenham Hotspur, the months under Thomas Frank have challenged that assumption. While Postecoglou’s tenure was often chaotic, it at least delivered entertainment and a memorable Europa League success. Under Frank, however, Spurs’ struggles have arguably deepened.
Despite securing a place in the Champions League top eight, Tottenham have been unable to find consistency, particularly at home. Frank’s points-per-game return of 1.15 is now the poorest recorded by a manager of a traditional ‘big six’ club, even worse than his predecessor. With managerial changes having become routine in north London, attention is increasingly turning toward the players rather than the dugout.
The core problems facing Thomas Frank
Cristian Romero recently highlighted the situation by describing it as embarrassing that only 11 senior players were available for selection. Injuries have ravaged the squad throughout the 2025/26 campaign, and this has provided Frank with some mitigation. The difference made by Dominic Solanke since his return has been stark, underlined by his two-goal display against Manchester City, including a spectacular scorpion kick finish.
There is an argument that judgment on Frank should be delayed until the squad is fully fit. Although Xavi Simons arrived in the summer, the prolonged absences of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have been significant, while Mohammed Kudus being sidelined until April has further compounded the problem.
That said, injuries are not the only issue. Several senior players have failed to deliver. Guglielmo Vicario has endured an error-strewn campaign, including a costly mistake against Fulham that gifted Harry Wilson a goal. Yves Bissouma’s professionalism has also been questioned, with the midfielder omitted from the Super Cup squad due to repeated lateness.
Pedro Porro has likewise struggled. Defensively uncertain and less effective going forward, the full-back has recorded no goals and just two assists in 23 Premier League appearances, a notable drop-off from his output in 2024/25. With creativity depleted elsewhere, his influence was expected to grow, but instead he has mirrored the wider difficulties within the squad.
A decisive summer ahead
A squad overhaul appears inevitable in the summer. Porro, Bissouma and Vicario are all players whose futures appear uncertain, with Tottenham already linked to Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs as a potential replacement. Yet the most pressing concern does not lie with those names.
Romero, signed during Nuno Espírito Santo’s tenure, has become an increasingly divisive figure. Since arriving, he has produced moments of quality, combining strong passing with a combative mentality, and has contributed important goals, including strikes against Newcastle and Burnley. His commitment on the pitch has rarely been questioned.
However, as a defender, his recent performances and conduct have raised serious concerns. His public criticism of the squad’s availability drew attention last week, and while Frank suggested the matter was dealt with internally, events on the pitch soon overshadowed that assurance. A reckless challenge on Casemiro resulted in a straight red card, leaving referee Michael Oliver with little choice.
The suspension could not have come at a worse time. Romero will miss four matches: three for the violent nature of the challenge and an additional game due to it being his second red card of the league season. No other player has matched that disciplinary record in 2025/26.
Since joining Spurs in 2021, Romero has accumulated more red cards in the Premier League than any other player, while his six dismissals in all competitions place him joint-top in the club’s history. Former Spurs winger Chris Waddle recently questioned the wisdom of handing the defender a long-term contract, suggesting it appears “like he’s never really wanted to be at Tottenham.”
Whether that assessment is fair or not, the pattern is difficult to ignore. Romero has repeatedly left his team short-handed at crucial moments, undermining both supporters and his manager. With frustration growing and the need for a reset clear, the summer may mark the end of his time in north London.
