Tottenham were one of the most active Premier League sides in the window, sealing deals for five notable names. Xavi Simons arrived in a blockbuster move, while Mohammed Kudus was snapped up after impressing at West Ham. The midfield was bolstered by the loan signing of Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, while French striker Randal Kolo Muani was also recruited to strengthen the forward line. Highly-rated Japanese defender Kota Takai completed the quintet of signings, adding depth to the squad.

On paper, it was a statement summer from Spurs, who clearly wanted to back their new head coach, Thomas Frank, with a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. Many observers praised the ambition, highlighting the fact that Tottenham not only targeted quality but also a mix of youth and experience.

However, McCoist insisted that Spurs’ most important addition wasn’t actually any of the players who walked through the door – but the man in the dugout. According to the Rangers legend, the appointment of Frank could prove to be the most decisive move the club has made in years.

Ally McCoist: Thomas Frank is Tottenham’s “best signing”

Speaking alongside Jeff Stelling, McCoist doubled down on his belief that Frank was the true star acquisition of Spurs’ summer. While acknowledging that the 51-year-old Danish coach suffered a setback in the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, McCoist argued that Frank has already shown he has the vision and tactical expertise to transform Tottenham.

“I actually think their best signing might not be on the pitch – it could be their manager,” McCoist explained. “Thomas Frank is a terrific coach, a terrific manager, and I really believe he’ll do very, very well at Spurs. He might just turn out to be their best addition in years.”

The pundit went on to highlight Tottenham’s recruitment drive as a whole, also pointing out the captures of Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso as particularly shrewd moves. While Tel brings raw attacking flair and versatility, Danso offers leadership and defensive solidity. For McCoist, those smart signings, combined with Frank’s managerial qualities, suggest that Spurs could enjoy a strong campaign.

A strong but not perfect window

Although McCoist praised Tottenham’s summer dealings, he stopped short of calling it the best window in the league, suggesting that other clubs may have edged Spurs in overall business. Yet he admitted the Lilywhites had definitely strengthened in important areas and set themselves up to compete.

“Listen, Bournemouth are no mugs – we saw what they did against Liverpool on the opening weekend,” McCoist added. “But Spurs have recruited wisely, and if you throw in Tel and Danso alongside their other signings, it’s been a good window.”

Ranking Spurs’ five headline additions

From a broader perspective, Tottenham’s business has also drawn analysis elsewhere. TBR Football, for example, ranks Xavi Simons as the standout signing of the window. The 22-year-old Dutchman, considered one of Europe’s finest under-23 talents, chose Spurs despite interest from Chelsea and several other heavyweights. His arrival has been viewed as a real coup for the North London side.

The signing could also prove crucial given James Maddison’s injury concerns. Maddison’s absence initially looked like a major problem, but in Simons, Tottenham may have secured an even greater long-term asset – a creative midfielder with the potential to reach world-class levels.

Mohammed Kudus, meanwhile, is another who could be a game-changer. The Ghanaian international hit the ground running at West Ham last season, and his switch across London has been described as one of the bargains of the summer given his versatility and goal threat.

Joao Palhinha’s loan deal from Bayern Munich has also been widely praised, providing Spurs with a seasoned, combative presence in midfield. Palhinha’s experience at the highest level could prove vital in a squad that otherwise leans heavily on youthful energy.

Up front, Randal Kolo Muani has been brought in as much-needed depth behind Dominic Solanke and Richarlison. With both strikers struggling with fitness issues in recent seasons, Muani’s presence could ensure Tottenham are never left short in attack.

Finally, Kota Takai is seen as a smart long-term investment. While he may not be an immediate starter, the young Japanese defender brings promise and is expected to grow into an important player over the next few years.

The bigger picture

For all the excitement surrounding the individual players, McCoist’s words serve as a reminder that sometimes the most important transfer is the one that happens on the touchline. Tottenham’s hierarchy clearly see Frank as the man to usher in a new era, and early signs suggest his arrival has already brought energy and optimism to the club.

If the new manager can blend the talents of Simons, Kudus, Palhinha, Muani and Takai into a cohesive unit, Spurs might just be looking at a season that surprises many. And as McCoist pointed out – Frank himself could end up being the true game-changer.