Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial situation has quickly slipped back into uncertainty. Igor Tudor’s spell in charge lasted only days, and Spurs are again searching for direction while trying to steer clear of relegation trouble.
The urgency around the club has led to a wide scan of potential managers. Names have surfaced from across Europe and beyond. Among them, Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira has again been pushed into the conversation.
However, reports from Brazil now offer two very different versions of events.
Conflicting views from Brazil
Fresh claims this week from journalist Diego Firmino suggest Tottenham renewed their interest in Abel Ferreira following Tudor’s exit.
The report states Spurs made a new enquiry to understand the coach’s current situation, although no formal offer has been presented.
That version paints a picture of an active pursuit.
ESPN Brazil, though, provide important context which changes the story significantly.
According to their information, Tottenham’s contact with Abel Ferreira did not happen now. It took place in February, before Tudor was even appointed. At that stage, as we covered at the time, Spurs were already exploring emergency options as pressure built around their season.
The proposal was a short-term one. Tottenham wanted to know if Abel would be open to taking charge until the end of the European season, effectively a contract of around four months.
Abel’s representatives rejected the idea outright. Talks never started, financial terms were never discussed, and the approach did not even reach Palmeiras. Crucially, ESPN state there has been no new contact since then.
Context behind the rejection
Abel Ferreira’s stance becomes clearer when looking at his current situation.
He is under contract at Palmeiras until December 2027 and remains central to a stable, long-term project. The Brazilian club continue to compete at the top level domestically and in South America, offering conditions that are difficult to match in a short-term European role.
His salary is another factor. Abel earns around €650,000 per month (£560,000), placing him among the highest-paid managers outside Europe’s elite. That level of income reduces the appeal of temporary opportunities abroad.
More importantly, his career decisions are not driven purely by finances. Abel places strong emphasis on structure, planning and organisational stability. Tottenham, in their current state, do not offer that environment.
A four-month contract, in the middle of a relegation fight, offers little alignment with his priorities.
What happens next for Tottenham
Tottenham are now expected to move in a different direction. Roberto De Zerbi is widely seen as the leading option as Spurs consider a longer-term appointment.
Against that backdrop, the renewed links to Abel Ferreira appear to stem from recycled information rather than a fresh development. One report suggests a new enquiry. Another clarifies that the only contact came earlier in the season and was rejected immediately.
They did explore Abel Ferreira as a potential solution. They were turned down without hesitation. Since then, there is no clear indication they have returned with a new approach.
As Spurs look to stabilise both on and off the pitch, their next move is likely to reflect that reality rather than revisit a door that was firmly closed.