Thomas Frank insists the transfer window 'isn't Football Manager' after Spurs missed out on Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City for £65m. With key Spurs injuries and City adding firepower, punters may back Man City to win upcoming fixtures — consider Man City match-winner or City -1 Asian handicap as Spurs' odds lengthen while their squad struggles for depth.
Thomas Frank: "The transfer window is not Football Manager"
Thomas Frank defended Tottenham's January dealings after Manchester City won the £65m race to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. Frank told supporters the club did everything possible and stressed that real-world transfers are far more complex than a computer game. He said the Lewis family are committed and that the club will benefit in the long term.
Injuries leave Spurs depleted ahead of Manchester City clash
Frank admitted Tottenham is in a weaker position than at the start of January due to a cluster of injuries. Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Richarlison, Ben Davies and Pedro Porro are ruled out, while Micky van de Ven is a doubt after limited training. Those absences restrict selection options and add pressure on Frank's squad against top opponents.
January business: measured buys and long-term planning
Tottenham completed the £35m signing of Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid and sold Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace. The club also signed 19-year-old Brazilian left-back Souza from Santos for around £13m, a player viewed as a prospect for the future. Frank argued the club resisted short-term fixes that would not fit the long-term project.
Owners' ambition and summer outlook
Frank repeatedly praised the Lewis family's commitment, calling their intent "very, very committed" and forecasting noticeable improvement through the rest of the season and into the summer transfer window. He suggested the club's strategy prioritises sustainable growth over panic buys.
Why Spurs passed on other targets
Frank said Tottenham declined to pursue short-term options that wouldn't align with long-term plans, referencing reported interest in other forwards and free agents. "We can't be too obsessed with a short-term fix that's not helping in the long term," he said, stressing balance between immediate results and future stability.
Betting implications
Manchester City's capture of Semenyo strengthens their attacking depth while Spurs enter upcoming fixtures with multiple absentees.
That shift is likely to shorten City odds and lengthen Tottenham's.
Punters might favour backing Manchester City to win outright, consider City -1 Asian handicap where available, or reassess markets involving total goals and Spurs' ability to score given their injury list.
Laurens' weekend preview: Will Spurs haunt title-c...
MATT BARLOW: Thomas Frank has defended Tottenham's transfer window business, claiming that the Lewis family were ready to spend what it took to sign Antoine Semenyo.
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