Tottenham Season Preview – Can Spurs build on their Europa League success?

The summer sun is barely setting on Tottenham Hotspur’s wild 2024-2025 season, and already, the North London faithful are buzzing with cautious optimism. Last year was a rollercoaster: a Europa League trophy, their first silverware in 17 years, juxtaposed against a stomach-churning 17th-place finish in the Premier League. That’s right, Spurs lifted a European cup while scraping by domestically, like a chef nailing a Michelin-star dessert but burning the main course.

Now, as the 2025-2026 season looms, the question hangs heavy: can Tottenham build on their European triumph and fix their Premier League woes? With a new manager, fresh faces, and a Champions League spot secured, there’s hope, but the road ahead is anything but smooth.

🏆 Tottenham are Europa League Champions! 🔥

Spurs defeat Man United to lift their 3rd Europa League title — and their first trophy since 2008! 🖤🤍

A night to remember for the Lilywhites 🌙✨ pic.twitter.com/zQ2jB8LGJT

— 365Scores (@365Scores) May 21, 2025

A Tale of Two Seasons

Last season was Spurs in a nutshell: dazzling highs and head-scratching lows. In May, they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final in Bilbao, with Brennan Johnson’s goal sparking scenes of delirium. It wasn’t just a trophy; it was a ticket back to the Champions League, a stage where Spurs belong. But the Premier League? Ouch. Finishing 17th with 22 losses, the most ever for a non-relegated side in a 38-game season, was a brutal wake-up call.

The contrast was stark, like throwing a party for acing one exam while flunking the rest. Fans celebrated in Spain, but back home, the mood was grim. The challenge now is clear: channel that European magic into domestic consistency.

Thomas Frank: The New Sheriff in Town

Enter Thomas Frank, the man tasked with turning this ship around. After Ange Postecoglou’s exit following that dismal league campaign, Spurs turned to the Brentford boss, known for his tactical nous and knack for punching above his weight. Frank’s style is high-octane: pressing like a pack of wolves, quick transitions, and a collective spirit that makes teams tough to break down. His Brentford days showed he can maximize a squad’s potential, but Tottenham’s a different beast.

The bright lights of the Champions League and the pressure of a fanbase starving for domestic success are new terrain. Still, his early words in South Korea, during Spurs’ pre-season tour, struck a chord: he wants consistency, and he’s not here to mess around.

🚨 OFFICIAL: Thomas Frank has been appointed as the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur, replacing Ange Postecoglou ⚪️🔥

The Danish coach signs a contract until June 2028, ushering in a new era for Spurs ✍️🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/SXpXSnDotS

— 365Scores (@365Scores) June 12, 2025

The Squad: Old Favorites, New Firepower

Tottenham’s squad is a fascinating mix of grizzled veterans and shiny new toys. At the heart was Son Heung-min, the captain who had been the club’s heartbeat for nearly a decade. His announcement that he’d be leaving Spurs, likely for LAFC, hit like a thunderbolt. He’d been getting older for sure, but his departure still looms large. His replacement is Mohammed Kudus, the £55m signing from West Ham, a dynamo who can play anywhere across the front line. His pre-season flashes suggest he’s ready to light up the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mathys Tel, now permanent after a loan from Bayern Munich, is another exciting addition, a young striker with a nose for goal.

In defence, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven form a formidable partnership, though Romero’s hot-headed moments and Van de Ven’s injury niggles raise eyebrows. The midfield, with Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, and James Maddison, has creativity but lacks consistency. This squad has potential, but it’s like a recipe with great ingredients – execution is everything.

It’s Official ✅✅

Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United pic.twitter.com/UgNG392XPf

— 365Scores (@365Scores) July 10, 2025

Transfer Talk: Splashing Cash, Chasing Balance

Spurs haven’t been shy in the transfer market, backed by a war chest swollen by Champions League cash and stadium revenue. Kudus and Tel are the headline grabs, with Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale adding intrigue. The rumour mill’s been churning, too. A move for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White fell apart in recent days, leaving fans grumbling, while talks for Bayern’s Joao Palhinha, a tackling machine from his Fulham days, could plug the midfield gap.

Whispers of interest in West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, and even Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus have kept the gossip lively, though nothing’s confirmed. Departures like Hojbjerg and Sergio Reguilón have freed up space, but the defence, which conceded 65 goals last season, needs attention. The transfer window’s still open, and Spurs aren’t done yet.

Pre-Season: Beating Arsenal and Building Momentum

Pre-season’s been a breath of fresh air for Spurs fans. The Asia tour, announced back in March, delivered a historic moment: a 1-0 win over Arsenal in Hong Kong, the first North London derby outside the UK. Pape Matar Sarr’s goal sent the Kai Tak Sports Park into a frenzy, and the bragging rights felt sweet.

A clash with Newcastle in South Korea, part of the Coupang Play Series, gives Kudus and Tel a chance to settle in. Friendlies against Luton Town, Reading, and Wycombe Wanderers gave Frank a chance to tinker, though the defense looked shaky at times. These wins don’t count for points, but they build belief. After last season’s lows, that’s no small thing.

What’s at Stake in 2025-2026

The fixture list is out, and it’s a beast. Spurs kick off the Premier League at home against Burnley on August 16th, a winnable game to set the tone. But early trips to Manchester City and Liverpool will test their mettle. The Champions League group stage, with opponents still to be drawn, adds glamour and pressure.

Then there’s the FA Cup and League Cup, where Spurs have a habit of tripping up. The Europa League win proved they can compete with the big boys, but juggling four competitions will stretch this squad. Can they avoid the injury bug that bit hard last year? And will the defense hold up under Frank’s high-pressing system? These are the questions keeping fans up at night.

Strengths, Weaknesses, and a Dash of Hope

Spurs have firepower up top. Kudus, Tel, Solanke, and Richarlison can trouble any defense on their day. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with its roaring crowd, is a fortress when the team clicks. Frank’s tactical clarity is a plus, too; his Brentford sides were always well-drilled. But here’s the thing: that defense. Conceding 65 goals last season was grim, and without a new center-back, it’s a worry.

The midfield, while talented, is inconsistent and injuries to Van de Ven or Maddison could derail things. Still, there’s a buzz around this team. The Europa League win wasn’t a fluke, and with Frank at the helm, there’s a sense they’re building something.

The Money Game and Levy’s Shadow

Financially, Spurs are in a good spot. The stadium’s a cash cow, and Champions League money, starting at €18.6m for the group stage, plus bonuses for wins, gives them wiggle room. Chairman Daniel Levy’s made it clear: one trophy isn’t enough. He’s backing Frank, but the pressure’s on. Spurs fans have long grumbled about Levy’s cautious spending, but this summer’s moves show ambition. If the results don’t come, though, the spotlight will burn bright. It’s a high-stakes season, and everyone knows it.

Verdict

So, can Spurs build on their Europa League success? The signs are there. Frank’s a shrewd operator, the squad’s got depth, and pre-season’s been promising. A top-six Premier League finish isn’t out of reach, and a decent Champions League run feels possible. But the ghosts of last season linger. Defensive lapses and midfield balance need fixing, and Son’s looming exit adds emotional weight. If Frank can keep the squad healthy and instill the consistency he’s preaching, Spurs could surprise a few people.

The Premier League’s a marathon, not a sprint, and Tottenham’s got the legs to go far – they just need to avoid tripping over their own feet. The opener against Burnley is days away, and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be electric. Fans will pack the stands, dreaming of glory but bracing for drama. That’s Spurs, isn’t it? A club that keeps you guessing, keeps you hoping, keeps you hooked. This season could be the one where they finally get it right. Or not. Either way, it’s going to be one hell of a ride.

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By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)

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