Ange Postecoglou has shared that he wanted to sign a Chelsea player worth £54 million during his tenure at Spurs, shortly after Tottenham parted ways with Thomas Frank.
Frank was let go following a 2-1 loss at home to Newcastle, leaving Spurs in 16th place, only five points above the relegation zone. This decision was expected due to ongoing pressure from poor results.
The club is now in search of a new manager, with two former Chelsea managers in the running. Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently focused on the 2026 World Cup with the USA, has shown interest in a return to North London.
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Postecoglou mentioned that he attempted to recruit Pedro Neto, who eventually moved to Chelsea in 2024 for £54 million.
Neto has made 29 contributions in 88 appearances for Chelsea, though opinions on his performance are varied. On the podcast Stick To Football, Postecoglou confirmed his interest in the winger before Neto’s transfer to Stamford Bridge.
“I was looking at Pedro Neto and Mbeumo and Semenyo at the time, Marc Guehi, because I said we need if we’re going to go from fifth to there, that’s what the other big clubs would do in that moment.”
Pedro Neto yet to find form under Liam Rosenior at Chelsea
Since Rosenior took over at Stamford Bridge, some players have begun to shine. Cole Palmer has had nine goal contributions in six matches, even while not fully fit, and Joao Pedro has been scoring regularly.
Marc Cucurella has noted a boost in confidence among certain players since Rosenior replaced Maresca. However, not all players have started well.
Alejandro Garnacho is still seeking consistency, and Neto is facing challenges, having not scored or assisted in his last ten league games.
Rosenior is aware of Neto’s potential—on his best days, he ranks among the top wingers. The task ahead is to reignite his performance without disrupting the effective play of Pedro and Palmer.