Thomas Frank has made it clear that Tottenham Hotspur are still far from splashing £100m on a single player, even as the club undergoes major structural and financial changes under its new leadership.
Following the September overhaul that saw Daniel Levy removed as club chair, Spurs have entered a new era under the Lewis family’s revamped leadership team. The long-term plan is centred on expanding the club’s business model to support greater on-field success. Yet as the north London derby approaches, questions continue to surface about whether Tottenham can match the scale of investment seen at rivals Arsenal.
Arsenal set a benchmark in 2023 with the £105m signing of Declan Rice from West Ham, a statement of intent that helped fuel their title ambitions. By comparison, Spurs’ most expensive acquisition remains Richarlison, signed for £60m in 2022.
Frank reflected on comments made by former manager Ange Postecoglou, who previously suggested Spurs would never spend £100m on an individual. While Frank admitted this might change across future decades, he emphasised that the club is “not close” to such spending levels at the moment.
According to Frank, long-term success is rooted in a combination of patience, process and targeted investment. The Spurs manager believes the club must strike a balance between financial backing and strong player development. He pointed to historical examples across the league, noting that even teams such as Liverpool and Manchester City did not rely solely on blockbuster signings to become elite.
Developing players internally, he stressed, remains a key pillar of Spurs’ strategy. Smart investment, particularly in players with the right age profile and potential, will complement this approach. Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal at 24 or 25, Frank said, is an example of the type of calculated spending that can reshape a squad.
Tottenham received a £100m injection from the Lewis family last month, and more financial support is expected. Frank welcomed the commitment shown by the owners, expressing confidence that the board is ready to provide the resources necessary to build a competitive and sustainable squad.
Despite this, the manager reiterated that Spurs are focused on smart recruitment over headline-grabbing fees. With the club currently sitting fifth in the league, Frank is determined to continue strengthening the squad without compromising long-term stability.
