Thomas Frank, the former Tottenham manager, is the frontrunner to take over at Crystal Palace, and his appointment could lead to a January raid on his former club. With Palace at the foot of the Premier League table, Frank may look to Spurs for reinforcements.
Frank's Return to Management
Frank, 53, was dismissed by Tottenham in February after less than eight months in charge. He has since worked as a BBC pundit at the 2026 World Cup. He is now in line to replace Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace, should the club decide to part ways with the Frenchman.
Palace have lost their last four league matches, including a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, and sit at the bottom of the table after 10 games. The January transfer window opens in less than two months, and Palace may need to strengthen to avoid relegation.
Defensive Targets
Palace have shipped a league-high 24 goals in their opening 10 matches, following the departures of Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix. Loanees Axel Disasi and Honest Ahanor have struggled in Sage's backline.
Spurs centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo has played just 76 minutes in the Premier League this season after arriving in a £12million transfer from Chelsea and Fulham. With 118 top-flight appearances, he could stabilise Palace's defence.
Midfield and Attack Options
Conor Gallagher, signed by Frank for £35million from Atletico Madrid, has made only three league starts this season under Roberto De Zerbi. Frank previously praised Gallagher's character, saying: "His character is unbelievable. He is a player who can build a top culture going forward. His work-rate and how he can carry the team on his back, more or less, though it's not only about one player." Gallagher was Palace's player of the year during a 2021-22 loan spell, scoring eight goals in 34 appearances.
Up front, Palace forwards Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jorgen Strand-Larsen have scored just one league goal between them in 11 matches, while left-back Tyrick Mitchell is the club's top scorer with two. Richarlison, who scored 11 goals last season, has not featured for Spurs since the opening day and was left out of the 25-man Premier League squad after a deadline-day move to Everton collapsed.
Leadership and Experience
Ben Davies, a Spurs stalwart for nearly 13 years, has played just 22 minutes this season. The prospect of regular first-team football and staying in London could tempt the Welshman to join Frank at Palace.
