Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Thomas Frank as their new head coach, with the 51-year-old Dane set to leave Brentford in a deal that will see the Bees receive over £10 million in compensation, sources confirmed to The Athletic and Sky Sports.
Frank will be joined by his trusted assistant, Justin Cochrane, marking a significant coup for Spurs as they aim to rebuild following a turbulent 2024/25 season.
The agreement, finalized after weeks of negotiations, sees Frank sign a contract with Tottenham until 2029, with an option for a further year.
Brentford, who had Frank under contract until 2027, reluctantly agreed to release their manager and Cochrane for a combined compensation package exceeding £10 million, a record for a managerial transfer in the Premier League. The deal also includes additional performance-related bonuses, per The Guardian.
Frank’s appointment comes after Tottenham parted ways with Ange Postecoglou in May 2025, following a disappointing campaign that left Spurs outside the Champions League places.
The club’s hierarchy, led by chairman Daniel Levy, identified Frank as their top target due to his progressive style of play, tactical flexibility, and proven track record of overachieving with Brentford.
Since taking charge of the Bees in 2018, Frank guided them to promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and established them as a competitive top-flight side, finishing 9th in 2023/24 despite limited resources.
Known for his high-pressing 4-3-3 system and ability to develop young talent, Frank is expected to bring a fresh identity to Tottenham, who have struggled for consistency.
Cochrane, a former England youth international and Brentford’s assistant head coach since 2021, will play a key role in implementing Frank’s vision, with the pair credited for Brentford’s set-piece prowess and data-driven approach.
Tottenham fans have expressed optimism about the appointment, with Frank’s reputation for engaging football and man management seen as a perfect fit for a squad boasting stars like Son Heung-min and new signing Pedro Gonçalves.
However, challenges await, as Spurs face a packed schedule, including Europa League commitments and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
Brentford, meanwhile, have begun their search for a successor, with assistant coach Kevin O’Connor tipped to take interim charge.
Frank’s departure ends a transformative era for the Bees, but the substantial compensation package provides financial stability for their next chapter.
