The Premier League could be set for a stunning and unprecedented managerial exchange, with the futures of Tottenham's Thomas Frank and Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner becoming increasingly intertwined.
Frank's Position at Tottenham Hangs by a Thread
Thomas Frank's tenure as Tottenham Hotspur manager is under severe threat following a dismal run of results. Appointed for his stability at Brentford, Frank has struggled to replicate that success in North London. The situation reached a new low with a crushing home defeat to West Ham United on the 19th of January 2026, a result that leaves Spurs languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Spurs hierarchy is now seriously considering Frank's position. The catalyst is a dire run of eight defeats in the club's last 14 games, offering little hope of an imminent turnaround. The discontent was palpable during the West Ham match, with the South Stand chanting "You're getting sacked in the morning" at the beleaguered manager.
When questioned about the fans' reaction, Frank stated via the club's official website: "I've probably had better times... but I understand, I'm the man in charge. So, the blame will go to me. That's fair."
Glasner's Palace Rant Opens Door for Exit
Simultaneously, a crisis is unfolding in South London. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner launched a furious public attack on the club's board following his side's defeat to Sunderland, a move that could accelerate his departure.
Glasner's anger stemmed from the sale of captain Marc Guehi just one day before the match. "We feel like we're being abandoned completely," Glasner fumed. "Selling our captain one day before a game - there is no understanding for this." He revealed a similar situation occurred with Eberechi Eze last summer, stating: "If your heart gets ripped out twice a year... I've just got no understanding."
The Austrian manager, who was already expected to leave at the season's end, cast doubt on his immediate future, saying, "I don't know" when asked if he would see out the campaign.
An Unprecedented Swap Deal on the Horizon?
This confluence of events has sparked speculation of a remarkable solution. Should Tottenham decide to relieve Frank of his duties, Oliver Glasner presents an obvious and available candidate to take over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Such a move could, in turn, benefit Crystal Palace. The South London club could swiftly appoint Thomas Frank, a manager who has proven at Brentford that he can achieve impressive results with a smaller, tightly-knit squad and operate effectively without the intense pressure of Champions League expectations.
While player swaps are commonplace, a direct managerial exchange between two Premier League clubs would be virtually unheard of. However, with both clubs facing leadership crises, this radical move has the potential to resolve two problems at once, offering each a fresh start with a manager suited to their apparent needs.
