Tottenham have joined the list of teams keen on signing Brentford attacker Kevin Schade, with the Bees’ former boss lining up a potential switch. Frank signed Schade from Freiburg in 2023 and now wants to reunite with the Germany international.
Rapid rise from Bundesliga to Premier League
Schade's rise has been an impressive one. He began his career in the youth ranks at Energie Cottbus and then Freiburg, making his Bundesliga debut in August 2021. Schade then moved to Brentford in January 2023, initially on loan before making the move permanent for a club-record fee reportedly around £22 million ($29.3m), in a deal which runs until 2028. He has faced injury setbacks during his time at Brentford, including a significant abdomen injury in September 2023 which sidelined him for several months. Despite this, he has shown promising form, particularly last season where he scored 11 goals. He also earned his first call-up to the senior German national team in March 2023.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWhy the clamour for the young German?
Schade has been hugely impressive since arriving in west London, demonstrating impressive talent and potential in attacking areas. His blistering pace is a significant strength, allowing him to exploit spaces behind defences and stretch opposing teams. Schade's athleticism is further highlighted by his strength in the air, making him a valuable target man and contributing to Brentford's set-piece threat. He recorded a top speed of 22.6mph while playing for Freiburg, marking him as one of the fastest players in Bundesliga history. Schade's growing goal contributions reflect his development. Beyond his attacking contributions, Schade is known for his relentless work rate and defensive intensity, a valuable attribute for Brentford's high-pressing style of play.
High praise from Frank
Speaking after Schade scored a brace against Manchester United last season, Frank said: "He’s grown a lot this season. Scoring 10 goals – not many players have scored 10 goals in the Premier League in their career – and he’ll most likely become even better next year. That’s the plan. With his pace going in behind, his threat in the box on headers – two fantastic headers (against United), the first one is an incredible header, the second one is just top class – but also if we go longer he’s one that can win a flick-on and, with set pieces in both boxes, he’s working hard."
AFPSpending spree for Spurs?
Tottenham Hotspur have received a £100 million cash injection from their billionaire owners, the Lewis family, in what the club is calling a “statement of intent” – and could pave the way for Schade’s switch across London. In a powerful club statement released on Thursday, Tottenham confirmed the fresh equity boost was designed to “strengthen the club’s financial position” and “equip the leadership team with resources for long-term sporting success.” It read: "We are pleased to announce that our majority shareholder, the Lewis family trust, has, through ENIC Sports & Development Holdings Ltd (“ENIC”), injected £100 million of new capital into the Club. "This equity injection will further strengthen the Club’s financial position and equip the Club’s leadership team with additional resources to continue the focus on driving long-term sporting success. This additional capital is part of the Lewis family’s ongoing commitment to the Club and its future."
Peter Charrington, Non-Executive Chairman, Tottenham added: "As I stated a few weeks ago, our focus is on stability and empowering the management team to deliver on the Club’s ambitions. I know the Lewis family are also ambitious for the future. Today’s capital commitment reflects that ambition and I would like to thank them for their ongoing support. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that Vinai Ventakesham and his team are supported in the best way possible to take this Club forward."
Spurs face Aston Villa after the international break, before taking on Monaco in the Champions League. Brentford, by comparison, play West Ham prior to a clash with champions Liverpool.