Brentford boss Thomas Frank has launched a stunning broadside over Mohammed Kudus's high-profile transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, revealing the Ghanaian star could have been playing in west London rather than north London this season.
The One That Got Away
In a revelation that will send shockwaves through Premier League circles, Frank confirmed Brentford had agreed personal terms with Kudus and reached a transfer fee agreement with Ajax last summer, only for the deal to spectacularly collapse at the eleventh hour.
"We were unbelievably close," Frank confessed, the frustration still palpable in his voice. "Everything was agreed - the fee with Ajax, the contract with the player. Then, in the last moment, it fell apart."
Spurs pounce as Brentford deal collapses
The breakdown of Brentford's move opened the door for Tottenham to swoop in, securing Kudus's signature in a deal worth approximately £23 million. The attacking midfielder has since become an integral part of Ange Postecoglou's revolution at Spurs, leaving Bees fans to wonder what might have been.
Frank's frustration is compounded by Kudus's impressive start to life in England, with the 24-year-old already showcasing the explosive talent that made him one of Europe's most sought-after prospects.
Leeds United test awaits
The Brentford manager's comments come at a crucial juncture in the Premier League season, with his team preparing to face newly-promoted Leeds United in what promises to be a fiery Yorkshire-London clash.
Frank was quick to praise Leeds' start to the campaign, acknowledging the threat posed by Daniel Farke's side despite their recent promotion. "They've started the season well and have some very good players," he noted, while emphasising his own team's determination to bounce back from recent setbacks.
Transfer market frustrations
The Kudus saga highlights the fine margins and brutal realities of the modern transfer market, where even seemingly done deals can unravel in dramatic fashion. For clubs like Brentford, competing against the financial muscle of traditional top-six sides, such near-misses are particularly painful.
As Tottenham reap the benefits of their midfield acquisition, Frank and Brentford must regroup and focus on the challenges ahead, starting with this weekend's crucial encounter against Leeds United.
