Whilst Thomas Frank managed to win his first Premier League game as Tottenham Hotspur manager, the club still have work to do before the end of the summer transfer window.
He’s already been backed by the board, landing a £55m deal for Mohammed Kudus, but ultimately, further big-money reinforcements are needed to avoid a repeat of the 2024/25 campaign.
The Lilywhites ended the previous year in 17th place, still managing to win the Europa League, with the Dane the man to lead them into the Champions League this season.
However, if the 51-year-old is to be successful in either of the competitions in the near future, he will need added quality in depth within key areas of the pitch.
Big money will likely need to be spent if added success is to be achieved, but one of the club’s key dealings may have already taken place over the last couple of days.
Cristian Romero’s new contract at Tottenham Hotspur
Back in the summer of 2021, Spurs completed the loan signing of Cristian Romero from Italian outfit Atalanta, making the centre-back’s move permanent 12 months later – costing around £42.5m in the process.
Whilst his disciplinary record has often been brought into question, he’s been a key component of the Lilywhites’ backline, making 126 appearances over the last four years.
The 27-year-old was named the club’s captain last week, highlighting the trust new boss Frank has placed in him – understandably so given his Man of the Match showing in the European final against Manchester United.
The good news has continued for the Argentine, penning a new four-year deal until the summer of 2029, with such a move arguably one of the best pieces of business conducted by the club this window, amid interest from Spanish giants Atlético Madrid.
However, despite Romero’s new contract, the hierarchy are looking to add further quality into the club’s backline, handing Frank the added depth he needs to help the side challenge at the top of England’s top-flight.
Spurs targeting move for a new Romero partner
Over recent days, Spurs have entered talks with Manchester City over a potential deal for 20-year-old right-back Rico Lewis – potentially providing competition for Pedro Porro.
The Englishman has also been subject to interest from Nottingham Forest, but it’s been confirmed that the youngster wants to remain at the Etihad beyond the summer window.
However, he’s not the only defender in their sights, with the club also strongly considering a move to land Brentford star Nathan Collins, according to the Daily Mail.
Their report claims that the Lilywhites have been closely monitoring the Irish international, who featured in every single minute of the previous Premier League campaign.
It also states that Manchester United and Liverpool are also plotting a move for the 24-year-old, but Spurs could hold the key to any move, given the centre-back’s previous time playing under Frank at the GTEC.
Why Spurs’ latest target could be perfect for Romero
Whilst Frank has only overseen two competitive games as Spurs boss, he’s already showcased his versatility in the role, operating with various different systems.
In the UEFA Super Cup final against PSG, the Dane utilised a back-five, whilst switching back to a more familiar back four in the win against Burnley on Saturday.
However, if the club are to be a success, adapting the side based upon the opposition is vital, something which was hugely lacking during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure.
A move for Collins could offer the new boss the depth he craves, adding another option to the heart of the defence, which could allow for a centre-back trio of Micky van de Ven, Romero and the Irishman.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the Bees star would set the hierarchy back before the September 1st deadline, but it would be a transfer that would add the needed quality to the defensive unit.
When comparing his stats to those of Romero from 2024/25, the 24-year-old managed to outperform the Argentine in key areas, even ranking highly among other defenders in the division.
Collins, who’s been labelled “one of the best defenders in the Premier League” by journalist Mario Marra, ranked in the 97th percentile for blocks made (2.1) whilst ranking in the 89th percentile for aerials won (3.1), according to FBref.
Games played
38
18
Goals & assists
5
1
Progressive carries
0.9
0.7
Progressive passes
4.8
4.5
Blocks made
2.1
1.1
Clearances made
5.9
3.6
Aerials won
3.1
2.6
Aerial success rate
63%
60%
Such figures are both higher than those produced by Romero, which would subsequently hand Frank the quality at the back to improve the record of 65 league goals conceded last season.
The Irishman also achieved a better aerial success rate last season, whilst making nearly two times more clearances per 90 – further highlighting the quality he possesses without the ball.
However, despite Collins’ ability without the ball, he’s also showcased his talent in possession, something which has been vital in Frank’s system – as seen by the Bees’ average possession of 48% in the Premier League during 2024/25.
He managed to achieve more progressive passes and carries per 90 last season, able to seamlessly fit into the manager’s plans given his previous stint under his guidance.
Whilst it’s unclear how much the Bees will be demanding to part ways with their captain, it’s a deal that could transform the Lilywhites’ fortunes within the defensive third.
If he can replicate such numbers from 2024/25, he could prove to be the perfect partner for Romero, which could provide added success for the club in the not-too-distant future.