Tottenham Hotspur have been active once again this summer, with a real focus on landing young talents for Thomas Frank to develop during his time at the helm.
Owner Daniel Levy made eight additions this window, including pre-arranged transfers, resulting in an average age of the new players totalling just 23.5 – further highlighting the impetus on landing younger prospects.
Luka Vuskovic was the youngest signing at just 18, whilst midfielder Joao Palhinha has arrived in North London, offering an experienced presence at 30 years of age.
The total average age of Lilywhites’ current first-team squad is now just 25.1, the fourth lowest of any side in the Premier League for the 2025/26 campaign.
Their ambitions of landing another player in such an age range looked certain at one stage, but Frank’s side were unable to complete a deal – leading to one of the sagas of the summer window unfolding in front of their very eyes.
Spurs’ failed move to land Morgan Gibbs-White
At the start of July, Spurs completed a deal for Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, but quickly followed up the addition with a move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.
Such a deal seemingly came out of nowhere, after entering talks, to agreeing a £60m transfer fee, all taking place within just a matter of hours – but that wasn’t the end of the drama.
It was reported that the Lilywhites made an illegal approach for the 25-year-old’s signature, leading to Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis threatening Frank’s men with legal action.
As a result, the player ended up penning a new deal at the City Ground – arguably being a blessing in disguise, given their recent £52m transfer to land Xavi Simons.
However, despite their failed move for the England international, the club have already conducted superb business – now seeing the benefits of their latest transfer focus of investing into youth talents.
The Spurs player who’s now worth more than Gibbs-White
Spurs’ recruitment shift to land youth talents has reached new levels in recent years, as seen by Daniel Levy’s move to land Lucas Bergvall from Swedish side Djurgarden back in the summer of 2024.
The now 19-year-old arrived as an unknown quantity to many of the supporters – understandably so given his tally of just 12 appearances in 2024 for the Swedish outfit before his transfer to North London.
However, the youngster endured a first season to remember, racking up 45 appearances across all competitions – subsequently helping the Lilywhites claim Europa League glory.
He wasn’t the only teenager who played a vital role in Europe and in the Premier League last season, with Archie Gray also making waves in the first-team after his £40m switch from Leeds United.
Such a move was undoubtedly questionable from Levy and Co, especially after the youngster only had one year of senior football under his belt before joining the Lilywhites.
Throughout the first few weeks of the season, the Englishman found minutes hard to come by, but the injury crisis saw him operate in various positions within Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Gray, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, ended up with a total of 46 appearances across all competitions – many of which were in unfamiliar roles such as right-back and central defence – but roles he filled admirably given his tender age.
Games played
46
Minutes played
3243
Pass accuracy
89%
Dribbles completed
58%
Tackles won
50%
Aerials won
50%
Interceptions made
1.1
Recoveries made
3.6
At just 19, he’s undoubtedly the future of Spurs, having plenty of time to fulfill his potential, but his stats from last campaign showcase the talent he already possesses.
As a result of his showings in North London, he’s seen his market value soar since his arrival, now being valued at £61.5m by FootballTransfers – a £21.5m increase on the fee paid for his signature.
Such a figure is £1.5m higher than the fee touted for Gibbs-White’s signature earlier this summer – showcasing the hierarchy’s desire to land youth prospects has already been a success.
If Gray can build on his excellent start to life in the capital, there’s no reason as to why he can’t be a regular starter under Frank in the Dane’s hunt for success during his time spell in the role.
The transfer is added evidence of the perfect recruitment model currently in place, with such deals desperately needing to be replicated if the Lilywhites are to win further trophies in the years ahead.