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Tottenham face being raided for four players by Thomas Frank at Crystal Palace

Thomas Frank could look to his former club Tottenham for reinforcements if he takes charge of Crystal Palace.

Close-up of Thomas Frank.
Thomas Frank is closing in on the Crystal Palace job. (Image: Getty Images)

A Premier League comeback for Thomas Frank could have implications for several Tottenham players. The former Spurs manager was dismissed in February after less than eight months in north London. Frank, 53, has remained out of management since his sacking, instead serving as a BBC pundit at the 2026 World Cup.

Nevertheless, his next managerial position could be imminent, as he's the frontrunner to take over Crystal Palace should they opt to dismiss Pierre Sage. The Frenchman has taken the Eagles to the foot of the table following 10 matches and their 3-1 loss to Liverpool on Sunday represented their fourth league defeat in a row.

A return to London for the Dane would arrive less than two months ahead of the January transfer window. Palace find themselves in desperate circumstances and entering the January transfer market may prove essential to avoid relegation.

Should the Eagles turn to the window for reinforcements, Frank might look towards his previous club to orchestrate a raid. Here, Express Sport have identified four Spurs players who could become the focus of Frank's attention come the new year.

Tosin Adarabioyo

The departures of former captain Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix earlier this year have left Palace perilously short of defensive quality and experience. Loanees Axel Disasi and Honest Ahanor have faltered in Sage's backline, with Palace shipping a league-high 24 goals across their opening 10 matches.

Looking towards his previous club for additions could represent a straightforward move for Frank, given the limited opportunities Spurs centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo has been afforded this campaign. The former Chelsea and Fulham defender arrived in September in a £12million transfer, yet has played just 76 minutes in the Premier League.

With 118 top-flight appearances under his belt, incorporating Adarabioyo into Palace's struggling backline might stabilise them.

Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher was recruited by Spurs in a £35million deal under Frank, who was dismissed less than four weeks after acquiring the England international from Atletico Madrid. Speaking shortly before his departure in February 2026, the boss highlighted the midfielder's qualities.

He said: "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."

A clear admirer of the 26-year-old, a move back to Palace might revitalise a career that has stagnated in recent months.

Gallagher was Palace's player of the year during his 2021-22 loan period at Selhurst Park, netting eight goals across 34 appearances before subsequently establishing himself as a crucial figure at Chelsea.

He's predominantly been utilised as a substitute this campaign under Roberto De Zerbi and has recorded only three league starts.

Tosin Adarabioyo of Chelsea FC looks on during the Sydney Super Cup match between Western Sydney Wa
Tosin Adarabioyo has barely featured for Tottenham. (Image: Getty Images)

Richarlison

Palace's defensive vulnerabilities are equalled by their struggles to find the net. Forwards Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jorgen Strand-Larsen have mustered just one league goal between them in 11 matches, with left-back Tyrick Mitchell topping the club's scoring charts with two strikes.

Recruiting a striker will be paramount for Frank, who might look towards his previous club to address that concern. One Spurs player who could emerge from the shadows is Richarlison.

The Brazilian hasn't appeared for the first team since his 68-minute showing on the season's opening day against Brentford.

After his deadline-day transfer to Everton collapsed, Richarlison was omitted from the club's 25-man Premier League squad, despite his 11 goals last season.

Ben Davies

The Eagles are conspicuously short of leadership, and who is more suitable than Ben Davies to help reinstate some responsibility?

The Spurs stalwart is nearing 13 years in north London, but has witnessed his playing opportunities significantly diminished in recent seasons. He's featured in 20 combined league fixtures over the past two years and has clocked up 22 minutes of playing time this season in matches against Chelsea and Coventry.

Luring Davies away from Spurs may prove challenging for Frank, who might hope the prospect of consistent first-team football and staying in London would prove sufficient enticement for the Welshman.

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