Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has swiftly addressed many of the long-standing issues at N17 since taking charge. The Danish tactician has completely transformed the team’s outlook, turning the Lilywhites into genuine contenders for a top-four finish in the Premier League. Credit where it’s due, Frank has Spurs competing strongly on all four fronts this season following last year’s Europa League campaign.
However, there are still some lingering problems that the former Brentford boss must resolve in the coming months. One of the most pressing concerns lies in the No. 9 position, which has failed to deliver under his system so far. Spurs have struggled to create clear goal-scoring chances for their forwards, a recurring issue that has occasionally frustrated the fans.
Richarlison began the new campaign brightly, scoring a brace on the opening day, and many believed Frank would finally unlock the Brazilian’s potential. But the 28-year-old’s form has since dipped, underlining the broader challenge of getting Tottenham’s strikers into effective positions. The concern for some supporters is that Frank’s more pragmatic tactical approach may be limiting the attackers’ ability to express themselves in the final third.
To make matters worse, Tottenham’s new season has already been disrupted by an injury crisis. The Lilywhites are without Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani, with both players yet to feature as they recover from their respective injuries. Meanwhile, Richarlison has failed to build on his early form, leaving fans frustrated by his inconsistent displays at N17.
To address these issues, Spurs have identified Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as a long-term option for the #9 position. As per Graeme Bailey (via TBR Football),
“Once again, his people are touching base with potential landing spots – Chelsea and Tottenham have been spoken to by intermediaries. Much will depend on whether he wants a ‘pay day’ – he won’t get that in England. He would get major money obviously, but nothing compared to what he could earn in Saudi Arabia.”
The journalist added,
“He would only get more than his current salary at Juventus if he moved to the Middle East. But Vlahovic is just 25. Whilst doing well at Juventus, he hasn’t blown anyone away and you get the feeling he has unfinished business at this point of his career.”
Graeme Bailey reports that Tottenham, along with a few other clubs, have made contact with Vlahovic’s representatives for a potential transfer in the coming months. The deal largely depends on the Serbian’s salary demands, with a move to N17 deemed possible only if he takes a wage-cut. Bailey also shares that a few Saudi clubs are also in the race for his signature, giving him the opportunity to earn more than he does if he goes to the Middle East.
A move to Saudi does not make sense for the 25-year-old as he still has a lot to prove in Europe. Given how high Vlahovic’s ceiling is, signing him would not be a bad option for Spurs. The Serbia international has already shown this season that he can make an instant impact despite not playing regularly. He is currently Juventus’ leading goalscorer this season with four goals to his name, despite only starting two games for the Serie A giants.
Also, the prolific striker’s contract at Juventus is expiring next summer, giving the Lilywhites a perfect opportunity to land him on a free transfer and saving up the money kept aside for a new centre-forward. So, will Spurs fend off competition and land Vlahovic? Or is it another distant dream for the fans as they look to bridge the gap with the other clubs?
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