Tottenham's Midfield Revolution: Why Are Spurs Chasing a Japanese Star with a Dark Past?

The Midfield Crisis Nobody Saw Coming

Can you believe it? Just months after Thomas Frank took charge at Tottenham Hotspur, the club is already planning a complete midfield overhaul. According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, Tottenham has set its sights on not one, not two, but multiple midfield targets including Mainz's Kaishu Sano, Wolves' Joao Gomes, and potentially Joao Palhinha on a permanent deal. This aggressive pursuit comes as Yves Bissouma faces an uncertain future at the club, with Frank reportedly having lost patience with the Mali international's attitude and punctuality issues.

The situation became critical after Bissouma was dropped from the UEFA Super Cup squad against PSG due to persistent lateness to team meetings. Multiple sources including Football Insider and Graeme Bailey have confirmed that while Tottenham initially wanted to sell Bissouma permanently, they are now open to a loan deal with Turkish clubs like Galatasaray and Saudi Arabian sides showing interest. The relationship between Frank and Bissouma appears beyond repair, making midfield reinforcement not just desirable but absolutely essential for Spurs' Champions League ambitions.

The Controversial Japanese Target

Here's where things get interesting and complicated. Kaishu Sano, the 24-year-old Mainz midfielder, has emerged as one of Tottenham's primary targets. Ben Jacobs described him as an extremely combative number six who excels in aerial duels and progressive passing, comparing his style to Chelsea's Moises Caicedo. Last season, Sano made 34 appearances for Mainz, helping the German club qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League with impressive defensive statistics including 61 tackles, 66 blocks, and 65 interceptions in the Bundesliga.

But there's a dark cloud hanging over this potential transfer. In July 2024, Sano was arrested in Tokyo along with two acquaintances on suspicion of sexually assaulting a woman at a hotel. According to Arab News Japan and AFP reports, the incident occurred shortly after the group had dinner in Tokyo's Roppongi district. While Japanese prosecutors ultimately decided not to file charges and Sano was released after two weeks in custody, the midfielder issued an apology statement saying he takes the consequences of his actions seriously. This controversial background has not deterred Tottenham's interest, with the club viewing him as a potential successor to Bissouma in the defensive midfield role.

The Brazilian Battle and Gibbs-White Saga

Tottenham's midfield shopping list doesn't end with Sano. The club has also inquired about Wolverhampton Wanderers' Joao Gomes, the 23-year-old Brazilian international who has been a consistent performer in the Premier League. However, this pursuit faces significant obstacles as Gomes recently signed a new five-year contract extension keeping him at Wolves until 2030, with no release clause included. According to Goal, this gives Wolves complete power to demand a substantial fee, potentially pricing Tottenham out of the deal.

Perhaps the most dramatic saga this summer involved Morgan Gibbs-White. Tottenham triggered the Nottingham Forest captain's 60 million pound release clause in July, and the player was reportedly scheduled for a medical. However, in a stunning turn of events documented by The Athletic and BBC Sport, Nottingham Forest accused Spurs of an improper approach and the deal collapsed spectacularly. Gibbs-White instead signed a new contract with Forest, later revealing in interviews that he prioritized his family during the stressful period when his partner gave birth to their second child. This setback forced Tottenham to look elsewhere, ultimately leading to the successful signings of Xavi Simons and further pursuit of Sano.

Frank's Midfield Philosophy Takes Shape

What's fascinating is how Thomas Frank is reshaping Tottenham's midfield identity. Unlike predecessor Ange Postecoglou's adventurous approach that often left defensive midfielders isolated, Frank has implemented a more organized defensive structure. This tactical shift has allowed Joao Palhinha, on loan from Bayern Munich, to thrive after struggling for opportunities in Germany. The New York Times Athletic reported that Palhinha delivered one of his finest performances in Tottenham's victory over Manchester City, making more duels and tackles than any other Spurs player while capping his display with a well-executed goal.

The midfield depth at Tottenham is genuinely impressive. Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick told Amazon Prime that Frank is blessed with different kinds of options, praising the manager's ability to pick horses for courses. Against various opponents, Frank has rotated between experienced partnerships like Bentancur-Palhinha and youthful combinations of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray. Extra Time Talk noted that five of Tottenham's first seven Premier League goals this season came from midfielders, demonstrating the area's attacking contribution alongside defensive solidity that has yielded four clean sheets in five matches.

Fan Reactions and Future Implications

Tottenham supporters are deeply divided about the club's midfield direction. When Rodrigo Bentancur signed a new long-term contract in October 2025, reactions on social media ranged from celebration to frustration. One fan commented on Football Insider that Bentancur is physically unable to cope with Premier League rigours, while another praised his distance running and consistent positioning. The Bentancur extension came after Atletico Madrid showed interest in signing him as a free agent when his contract was set to expire in summer 2026, but Frank personally pushed for the Uruguayan to stay.

Looking ahead, Tottenham's midfield recruitment will be crucial for sustaining their Champions League qualification. With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski both sidelined with long-term injuries, and uncertainty surrounding Bissouma's future, the addition of players like Sano or Gomes could prove transformative. Korean football fans and international observers are watching closely to see whether Tottenham will pull the trigger on the controversial Sano signing or pivot to alternative targets. One thing is certain: Thomas Frank is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to build a midfield capable of competing with Europe's elite, even if it means navigating ethical questions and complicated transfer sagas along the way.