Aksel Kryhlmand
Manchester City star’s preferred role could complicate Thomas Frank’s midfield plans
The Jack Grealish-to-Tottenham transfer saga has reignited once more. With Manchester City reportedly ready to offload the 29-year-old winger this summer, Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as bookmakers’ favourites to secure his signature, but his arrival could pose a tactical dilemma for new head coach Thomas Frank.
A Longstanding Link Finally Coming True?
Tottenham’s interest in Grealish dates back to 2018, when a move from Aston Villa fell through at the eleventh hour due to late negotiations and a sudden cash injection at Villa Park. Three years later, Grealish completed a British-record £100m move to Man City, where he’s gone on to win every domestic trophy available.
Now, with his future at the Etihad in doubt, Grealish has been left out of City’s Club World Cup squad. Pep Guardiola confirmed the winger “needs to play” and hinted that a summer transfer may be the best solution for all parties.
Jack is an exceptional player but he didn’t play a lot this season,” Guardiola admitted. “We decided don’t come here. What happens I don’t know, but if he doesn’t [leave], he is a player for Man City and he will be back.
Thomas Frank’s Transfer Dilemma
The main question now facing Thomas Frank is not whether Grealish is a good player, he clearly is, but where exactly he fits in a Tottenham squad already brimming with left-sided attackers and creative midfielders.
Grealish himself offered a telling clue in a 2020 interview:
I love that No.10 role. I’ll play anywhere, off the left or right, but that No.10 [is my favourite].
That position, however, is firmly occupied at Spurs by James Maddison, with Dejan Kulusevski also an effective option in the role. Out wide, Son Heung-min, Mathys Tel, Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, and Mikey Moore all provide depth on the flanks, especially on the left, Grealish’s preferred side.
Is There Room for One More Star?
While Spurs have completed the permanent signing of Tel after a promising loan, there remains a degree of uncertainty surrounding Son Heung-min’s long-term future. The South Korean captain has hinted that he may be open to a move away from north London after nearly a decade at the club.
If Son were to depart, a door would certainly open for Grealish to claim a regular starting spot. But even if Son stays, Frank could see the value in bolstering his squad with experienced, top-level depth — especially with Spurs returning to European football and hoping to compete across multiple fronts.
Should Spurs Splash the Cash?
At 29 and with his career stalling at City, Grealish represents both a calculated gamble and a high-ceiling opportunity. If he can rediscover the form that made him a Premier League sensation at Villa, he could be a game-changer for Tottenham. However, balancing the books, and the squad, will be key.
Frank’s arrival marks a new chapter for Spurs. Whether Grealish features in it depends not only on finances and fit, but on vision. Does Grealish’s flair and pedigree align with Frank’s high-intensity style and Spurs’ youthful rebuild?
We may soon find out.