Tottenham will have to fork out a staggering £10 million to hire Thomas Frank from Brentford, it has been reported. Frank has emerged as the leading contender to replace Ange Postecoglou in north London, after Daniel Levy made the decision to sack the Aussie on Friday.
Frank has two years left on his contract at Brentford and a major buy-out clause was written into the terms when he signed his last deal in December 2022. The Bees do not want to lose Frank, who is one of the most sought-after managers in the Premier League, and he is valued high in west London.
There is the belief, however, that a gentleman's agreement has been put in place for Frank to stay at Brentford for one more season, which would dampen Tottenham's hopes of getting him. However, if Spurs trigger the £10m clause in Frank's contract, Brentford could find it difficult to retain his services.
Frank is not expected to face a shortage of offers if he does decide to leave Brentford this summer. Since guiding the Bees to the Premier League four years ago, he has cemented them as an established top-flight club, having steered them to an impressive 10th place finish during the 2024/25 season.
There is no doubt, however, that Tottenham would be a massive opportunity for Frank after they won the Europa League and secured Champions League qualification. Spurs are set to have an extended transfer budget available to them ahead of their return to Europe's elite club competition next term.
And that could tempt Frank, who issued an update on his future after Brentford lost against Fulham last month. "Right now, of course, I am committed. I just lost to Fulham, our local rivals, so [I am] fuming in every aspect. So yes, I am committed like I have always been," Frank said.
As for Postecoglou, he wrote a moving statement after it was confirmed that Tottenham had sacked him. "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride," he admitted.
"The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.
"That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.
"We have also laid the foundation that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.
"I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I need to push on.
"It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.
"And finally I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.
"We are forever connected. Audere est Facere. Ange."