Thomas Frank ‘very happy’ with Tottenham star and keen to reward with bumper new contract

Tottenham Hotspur’s summer of changes has taken another twist as Thomas Frank, the club’s Danish head coach, makes it clear that he wants to secure one of his key midfielders for the long term. Rodrigo Bentancur, the Uruguayan international who has already made waves in North London, is now at the centre of Spurs’ plans for stability and strength in the middle of the park.

Bentancur’s current contract runs until the summer of 2026, but Frank believes it is time for the club to show their commitment to the 28-year-old midfielder by offering him a substantial new deal, a contract that would not just reward his performances but also send a message to the rest of the squad that Tottenham values its most important players. The UEFA Super Cup, played recently against Paris Saint-Germain, offered Frank a first glimpse of how his squad might perform under pressure, and Bentancur’s display was exactly what the manager had hoped for.

The Uruguayan played the full 90 minutes in the tense penalty shootout defeat, and despite the heartbreak of losing the trophy, it was clear that Bentancur’s presence in midfield was critical. He moved with authority, read the game intelligently, and contributed both defensively and offensively, showing why Frank is so keen to tie him down for the years ahead. Watching Bentancur glide across the pitch, making precise passes and breaking up attacks, Frank could already see the blueprint of a Tottenham midfield built around players who can combine technical ability with tactical intelligence. Having had time to observe his squad in both training and competitive matches, Frank is now pushing Spurs’

management to begin serious discussions over a new contract. Sources close to the club have told TBR Football that these talks are expected to happen soon, and Frank’s message to Tottenham is clear: Bentancur is not just a squad player, he is a vital part of the club’s future ambitions. Back in May, TBR Football revealed that Bentancur was a strong candidate to become Tottenham’s next captain, a signal of the respect he commands in the dressing room and on the pitch. Even at that time, preliminary plans for a new contract were being considered, but it is only now, after Frank has fully assessed his team, that the urgency has increased.

Graeme Bailey, TBR Football’s chief correspondent, has reported that the manager has made it unequivocal that Bentancur should be rewarded with a “bumper” new deal. Bentancur’s rise under Frank has been rapid. In the Super Cup clash, he completed 25 touches, made 15 out of 16 passes successfully, won five of six duels, and completed three tackles. These statistics highlight not just his reliability but also his ability to dominate in midfield against world-class opposition. Frank, known for his meticulous planning and keen eye for detail, clearly sees Bentancur as a player who can define Tottenham’s style in the coming seasons. Discussions about Bentancur’s contract are not merely about financial reward but about stability and long-

term planning. Spurs are at a crossroads, with the club seeking to solidify its position among England’s elite. Retaining a player like Bentancur, who combines experience from Serie A and international football with the energy and commitment that Frank demands, is essential for that goal. Yet, Frank’s decision to focus on Bentancur is also indicative of the broader challenges facing Tottenham in midfield. The Danish coach has a plethora of options at his disposal, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Against PSG, he opted for a midfield trio of Bentancur, Joao Palhinha,

and Pape Matar Sarr, leaving younger prospects like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray on the bench. This was a deliberate choice, reflecting Frank’s desire to combine experience, tactical awareness, and youthful energy. Bentancur, at 28, is at the peak of his career. Palhinha, 30, brings leadership and physicality, while Sarr, just 22, offers dynamism and raw potential. Bergvall and Gray, 19 and 18 respectively, are seen as the future, players who could eventually step into the first team, but for now, Frank prefers to build his core around proven performers like Bentancur. The midfield dilemma at Tottenham is a luxury problem in many ways. Having multiple high-quality options allows Frank to rotate, adapt tactics, and manage

player workloads carefully across a grueling English season. However, it also means that decisions about contracts, playing time, and squad hierarchy become more complex. Retaining Bentancur is part of a strategy to create a clear spine in the team, a nucleus of players around whom the rest of the squad can develop. Tottenham’s interest in further strengthening the midfield is ongoing. The club remains in talks with Crystal Palace over a potential move for Eberechi Eze, the 27-year-old English midfielder whose creativity and attacking threat would provide another dimension to Frank’s plans. At the same time, players like Yves Bissouma, 28, could be moved on, especially after being left out of the Super Cup squad for disciplinary reasons. Frank’s approach is a mixture of pragmatism and ambition: he wants to keep the players who contribute positively to the team, push those who have potential, and remove distractions or individuals who do not fit the culture he is trying to instill. Bentancur’s place in this system is clear. Beyond his technical skills, he brings a calm presence in high-pressure situations. Against PSG, he showed that he can maintain composure, distribute the ball efficiently, and anticipate danger before it happens. These qualities are essential for a Tottenham team looking to compete at the highest level both domestically and in Europe. Discussions about a new contract are also about recognition. Bentancur has proven his loyalty and commitment, and Frank wants Tottenham to match that with a long-term agreement that reflects his value to the club. The manager’s public support sends a strong signal not only to Bentancur but also to the wider squad, demonstrating that hard work and performance are rewarded at Spurs. Bentancur’s potential new deal will not just be a matter of years and wages. It is a statement about Tottenham’s intent, an assertion that the club is serious about building a team capable of challenging for titles. In the modern Premier League, where financial muscle often dictates success, retaining key players becomes as much about culture and trust as it is about money. Frank understands this, and he wants Bentancur at the heart of the project. Observers have noted that Bentancur has adapted seamlessly to the Premier League’s pace and physicality, a transition that has historically been challenging for many players moving from Serie A. His tactical intelligence allows him to position himself effectively, intercept passes, and link defense to attack. This versatility makes him a manager’s dream, particularly for someone like Frank, who demands both discipline and creativity from his midfielders. Tottenham’s plans for Bentancur also tie into broader squad management. The club has spent heavily in recent seasons, bringing in players to strengthen every area. Integrating Bentancur into a long-term plan ensures that the investment in the squad is protected, while also providing a foundation upon which future signings can be layered. Frank’s vision is holistic: he sees Bentancur not only as a player but as a lynchpin around whom team identity, style, and culture can be structured. With the Premier League increasingly competitive, the timing of this contract push is critical. Bentancur’s current deal has just over a year remaining, which in football terms is a precarious position. Waiting too long risks losing the player either to another club or to uncertainty over his future. Frank’s insistence on immediate action demonstrates his proactive approach to squad management, ensuring Tottenham retains control over its most important assets. Beyond contractual considerations, Bentancur’s performances have provided tactical flexibility. Frank experimented with formations during the Super Cup, giving fans a glimpse of a different style of play. While some formations appeared unconventional, they were designed to test players in multiple scenarios and assess their adaptability. Bentancur excelled in this environment, reinforcing Frank’s belief that he can handle the responsibility of a central role in Tottenham’s midfield, no matter the tactical demands. The manager’s trust in Bentancur also has implications for leadership within the squad. As a potential future captain, the Uruguayan embodies qualities that extend beyond technical ability: professionalism, communication, and the ability to influence teammates on and off the field. Frank’s backing is likely to accelerate these leadership credentials, positioning Bentancur as a figure who can command respect in the dressing room and serve as a bridge between management and players. Tottenham’s fans have noticed Bentancur’s impact as well. Social media and fan forums are filled with praise for his consistency, vision, and composure under pressure. Supporters are excited at the prospect of him committing his future to the club, seeing him as a player who can help Tottenham finally bridge the gap to the Premier League’s elite. The potential arrival of Eberechi Eze adds another layer of intrigue. If Spurs secure the deal, Bentancur’s role may shift slightly to accommodate a more attacking midfielder. However, Frank’s approach ensures that Bentancur’s influence remains central. His ability to read the game and dictate tempo means he can adapt to multiple formations and responsibilities, providing both defensive stability and creative impetus. Looking further ahead, Tottenham’s midfield is shaping up to be a blend of experience, youth, and tactical intelligence. Palhinha brings veteran authority, Sarr offers youthful energy, Bentancur provides balance and vision, and emerging talents like Bergvall and Gray offer future promise. Frank’s challenge is to integrate these players into a cohesive unit capable of sustaining performance across domestic and European competitions. Bentancur’s new contract is a cornerstone of this strategy. Retaining him ensures that Frank has a reliable figure to build around, a player whose understanding of the manager’s philosophy and tactical demands is already proven. In a market where midfielders of Bentancur’s calibre are highly sought after, Tottenham’s proactive approach demonstrates ambition and planning. Beyond footballing reasons, the move to secure Bentancur reflects a broader cultural shift within Tottenham. Frank is building a team where commitment, professionalism, and performance are rewarded. Players who embody these values are likely to be given long-term deals, while those who fail to meet expectations or disrupt squad harmony may find themselves on the periphery. In this sense, Bentancur is more than just a player; he is a standard-bearer for the culture Frank wants at the club. Tottenham’s current season will also serve as a testing ground for this vision. Early fixtures, including the Super Cup and Premier League matches, offer a platform to assess how the squad gels and how Bentancur performs under pressure. If he continues to impress, the case for a new contract becomes undeniable, reinforcing Frank’s belief that the Uruguayan should be rewarded both financially and symbolically. In conclusion, Thomas Frank’s push to offer Rodrigo Bentancur a new contract is a reflection of careful planning, tactical insight, and ambition. The 28-year-old midfielder has demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level, adapt to the Premier League, and lead both on and off the pitch. Securing his future with a long-term deal is not just about retaining a talented player—it is about building a foundation for Tottenham Hotspur’s aspirations, creating a culture of trust and reward, and establishing a midfield spine capable of competing with the best teams in Europe. As contract discussions loom, Spurs fans can take heart in knowing that the club is committed to protecting one of its most vital assets, ensuring that Bentancur remains a central figure in the club’s journey toward success. With Frank at the helm, the message is clear: Tottenham is serious about its ambitions, and Rodrigo Bentancur is central to that vision, a player who embodies the blend of skill, intelligence, and professionalism needed to elevate the club to new heights. The coming months will be critical, not only for negotiations but for how the squad evolves under Frank’s guidance. Bentancur’s new deal, when it is eventually signed, will be a landmark moment for both player and club, cementing his role as a cornerstone of Tottenham Hotspur’s present and future.