Tottenham Hotspur Transfer Update: Latest on Morgan Gibbs-White, Joao Palhinha and More | OneFootball

Tottenham’s New Chapter Underway as Frank Era Begins to Take Shape

After a sluggish transfer week, it finally feels like something is stirring at Tottenham Hotspur. The appointment of Thomas Frank has signalled a new direction for the club, and while marquee arrivals remain on hold, this past week offered a glimpse into what lies ahead for Spurs under their new Danish head coach.

First Friendly Offers Early Insights

Saturday’s 2-0 win over Reading was not just a routine pre-season affair. It was Frank’s first opportunity to evaluate his squad in match conditions. Luka Vuskovic’s performance stood out at the back, while Kota Takai’s arrival still looms in the background. The friendly also saw Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr deployed ahead of the defence, with Yves Bissouma introduced in the second half — a setup that highlights Tottenham’s need for stability in the deep midfield role.

This issue is far from new. As The Athletic noted, “the bigger issue Spurs have had for the last few years is in the No 6.” That’s where Joao Palhinha comes in. While Spurs prefer a loan over a full transfer for the 30-year-old Bayern Munich man, his Premier League experience with Fulham would bring composure and grit to an area Tottenham continue to struggle with.

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Gibbs-White Saga Stalls Again

The Morgan Gibbs-White situation remains the focal point of transfer discussion. After it looked like Tottenham had triggered a confidential £60 million release clause, negotiations ground to a halt. Forest are said to be “frustrated” by Spurs’ approach, and although Gibbs-White missed the team’s pre-season trip to Portugal for “private reasons,” his future is still shrouded in uncertainty.

Ola Aina told The Athletic that Gibbs-White was “keeping it professional,” but Spurs must now decide whether to persist or look elsewhere. The article asks the key question: “Is Gibbs-White going to happen, or are Spurs going to have to move on?” It’s a puzzle Thomas Frank and the recruitment team will need to solve quickly, especially with the Super Cup and league opener fast approaching.

Leadership Decisions Could Shape the Season

Frank is keeping quiet on the futures of Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero, both of whom were handed leadership duties against Reading. “If a player has been at a club a long time, then there will always be a decision for the club to take,” said Frank about Son. On Romero, he added, “He’s here and very committed.”

These comments reflect the balancing act Spurs must now manage — holding onto core leaders while embracing a new style and potentially reshaping the squad.

Summer Outgoings Begin

Beyond Dorrington’s loan move to Aberdeen and Josh Keeley’s permanent departure to Luton Town, there is a lingering uncertainty around several senior players. Bissouma, Bentancur and Richarlison are all experienced names whose futures under Frank remain uncertain. Their roles will likely become clearer as pre-season progresses.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As Tottenham fans, this feels like the calm before the storm — and that’s exciting. Thomas Frank’s measured start, his ability to integrate youth like Vuskovic, and his composed demeanour in the media already feel like a cultural shift at the club.

There’s genuine hope that Frank can get more from players like Bentancur and Bissouma, and if Spurs manage to land Morgan Gibbs-White, that adds a dynamic attacker who can slot in as a high-energy No 10 or even off the wing. The idea that we matched his release clause and Forest are still dragging their heels? That shows how much they fear strengthening a direct rival.

The reported interest in Joao Palhinha also makes sense. He’s no-frills, experienced, and can break up play in ways we’ve sorely missed since the days of prime Mousa Dembélé. Even if it’s a loan, it could be the glue to make our midfield functional again.

We also love seeing Son and Romero take leadership roles. Whether they stay long-term or not, having them involved early in pre-season shows buy-in. There’s still work to be done in full-back areas and in clearing fringe players, but the identity is becoming clearer — and that’s more than we could say a year ago.

Bring on the Asia tour.