Sport Witness

Igor Tudor is in London to complete a move to Tottenham Hotspur to replace Thomas Frank as manager.

That’s according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The Italian newspaper covers the Croatian manager today and his surprise move to Tottenham.

Numerous reports yesterday from England and Italy threw Tudor to the top of Tottenham’s wish list to replace Frank at the helm. Tottenham sacked the Danish coach on Wednesday after a miserable six months in charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs are deeply worried about relegation and have turned to Tudor to firefight and push them to safety. Sport Witness covered their developing move for him extensively yesterday.

First, reports explained that he had jumped to the top of Spurs’ list, before the clubs struck a verbal agreement.

Tudor in London with Tottenham

That’s certainly according to Gazzetta anyway. The Italian newspaper reports that Turdo has flown to London from Split to finalise his deal. He is currently in the capital with Tottenham and it’s a case of ‘we’ll see later’.

According to their information, Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham specifically chose him. He also considered former Leipzig boss Marco Rose and former Dortmund boss Edin Terzic.

But he’s decided on Tudor because he’s ‘the man for emergencies’. Or, at the very least, the ‘one for mid-seasons’. The 47-year-old has rarely finished, or started, a season on the same bench since he started his managerial career.

Tottenham called yesterday after raising the relegation alarm. They’re currently 16th, five points from safety and haven’t won in the Premier League since the end of December.

Those in charge at ‘truly fearful’ of relegation and wanted a manager who can make an immediate impact and fight hard. That will start on Monday when training resumes.

Relegation battles

Tudor has extensive experience fighting battles. He saved Udinese in four games in 2018, then repeated the trick from March a year later. He then shone in Verona before going to Marseille.

Then a three months spell at Lazio followed before going to Juventus for seven months.

He has held 11 roles in 12 years and will contest his sixth different European championship at Tottenham.

The contract will run until June, but if he can provide the necessary impetus, he could be a candidate for a permanent deal.

Tottenham’s search for stability did not start with Igor Tudor. Before moving for the Croatian, Spurs sounded out Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira as part of their contingency planning, according to ESPN Brazil.

The Portuguese manager, who recently extended his Palmeiras contract until the end of 2027, chose not to open discussions with the Premier League side.

Tottenham have since appointed Tudor on an interim basis until the end of the current season, with the club planning to target a more high-profile name in the future.

Approach came before Frank dismissal

ESPN reports that Tottenham contacted Ferreira’s camp two weeks ago to establish whether he would be willing to assume the role in north London. The approach came before the recent dismissal of Thomas Frank, with the club already exploring options amid their struggles in 16th place on 29 points.

Ferreira earns around €550,000 per month (around £460,000) at Palmeiras, a salary level that makes it difficult even for established European clubs to match. However, ESPN notes that financial considerations alone would not sway the 46-year-old, who prioritises organisation, planning and structure when evaluating potential moves.

Not the first Premier League interest

The report adds that Ferreira would not be tempted simply by a more lucrative offer or the prestige of managing in one of Europe’s top six leagues.

His commitment to Palmeiras has seen him reject previous interest from Premier League clubs including Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton and even Chelsea in recent months.

ESPN explains that Tottenham also assessed other candidates during the process, including Robbie Keane (currently at Ferencváros), Roberto De Zerbi (recently departed Marseille) and Marco Rose (formerly of RB Leipzig), before settling on Tudor as their short-term solution.

With Ferreira remaining committed to Palmeiras and Tottenham now working with Tudor until May, any potential future contact between the parties would likely depend on the Portuguese manager’s long-term plans and whether Spurs undergo another managerial change in the summer.

Igor Tudor has verbally agreed a deal with Tottenham Hotspur to become their new manager and replace Thomas Frank.

That’s according to Gianluca di Marzio. The Italian journalist reports that Tudor has verbally agreed a deal with Spurs for a deal until June this year.

Tottenham have moved quickly to target free-agent managers after sacking Frank on Wednesday. Sport Witness have covered multiple reports linking Tottenham with Roberto de Zerbi, Enzo Maresca and Igor Tudor.

Tudor linked today

The latter was first linked earlier today. A report from Italy stated that Tottenham had put Tudor at the top of their list of priorities and already spoken to him about their vacant position.

Now Di Marzio reports that matters are progressing quickly. According to his information, Tudor has verbally agreed to become Tottenham’s new manager with an initial contract until June.

That’s a major development, to say the least. It is easy to imagine that a deal will now be rapidly worked out for Tudor to take charge until the end of the season. His willingness to take the job temporarily at first is also an interesting development.

Free agents for Tottenham

Tottenham have clearly targeted him, and others, because of their free-agent status. Reports have made it clear that they had to hand Frank a large payout after spending €6m on him and his staff in the summer transfer window.

A free agent makes sense at this point, but it does mean that they will have to look for another manager in the summer. Perhaps that is because of the signs that they’ve been given from other names.

The likes of De Zerbi and Maresca are unlikely to want to take charge midway through the season. There will also be other names available in the summer after the World Cup. Perhaps that is why Tottenham are only handing Tudor a short team deal for now. The fact that Tudor is willing to accept it and get himself into the Premier League, has perhaps worked in their favour.

Tottenham Hotspur have turned their attention to Igor Tudor in the search for Thomas Frank’s replacement.

That’s according to journalist Matteo Moretto, via Tuttomercatoweb. He reports that Tottenham have already spoken to the former Juventus manager.

Spurs have quickly drawn up a list of potential replacements for Frank after sacking him on Wednesday. Sport Witness have already covered several of the names linked with the job.

A report from France stated that talks were already underway with Roberto de Zerbi. He is a free agent after walking away from Marseille. Then a separate report from Italy stated that Enzo Maresca was a potential target.

Tottenham target Tudor

Now another free agent can be added to the list, Igor Tudor. Moretto reports that Tottenham have include the Italian ‘among their top priorities’ for their vacant managerial position.

In fact, contacts between Tottenham and Tudor’s representatives have already taken place. That’s seen as a sign of ‘concrete interest’ from Spurs.

Tudor appears increasingly destined for the Premier League, but whether that means a move to Spurs in London remains unclear.

Tottenham focus on free agents

But his name being on Tottenham’s list adds to a growing trend. Their management are clearly targeting free agents and an immediate long-term appointment.

Tudor, De Zerbi and Maresca are all currently available, and Tottenham would not need to pay compensation. That seems to be tempting Spurs, who reportedly had to pay Frank a large sum after paying €6m to Brentford for him and his staff in the summer.

There’s also appears to be a particular focus on Italian managers, including those who’ve managed at Marseille. That’s certainly the case for Tudor and De Zerbi at least.

All three offer very different styles, philosophies and experience, though. That perhaps is a sign of the muddled thinking that has caused plenty of issues for Tottenham in recent years. At the moment, their focus appears to be on free agents rather than a determined style of manager.

Tottenham Hotspur have followed Chelsea in considering appointing FC Porto’s Francesco Farioli as their new manager.

Last month, Chelsea parted ways with Enzo Maresca and appointed Liam Rosenior as his successor. Prior to the latter arrived at Stamford Bridge, the Blues had looked at Farioli.

On January 3rd, Sport Witness covered the Portuguese claims explaining Porto’s stance on their coach amid Chelsea links.

Tottenham are now looking at the Dragons boss, and Jornal de Notícias cover the latest on Spurs and also mention Chelsea.

Spurs search for Frank’s successor ongoing

Earlier this week, the Europa League winners parted ways with Thomas Frank following a series of poor results and performances.

The latest claims from the UK have mentioned the former Ajax manager as an option for the north London club.

Jornal de Notícias now pick up on that provide their own stance on the possibility of the 36-year-old leaving Porto.

He joined the Portuguese club last summer, after a season at Ajax. The Italian has so far managed 34 matches, and Porto have won 27 of them and drew four. Their impressive run has helped them sit on top of the table, four points ahead of second placed Sporting.

This may have convinced Tottenham to reportedly consider the Italian as a candidate to replace the Dane, but the Spurs option is now ruled out.

According to Jornal de Notícias, Farioli has ‘no intention’ of leaving Porto for Tottenham midway through the season.

He experienced a similar situation when Chelsea emerged as an option in January. The newspaper points out that the manager made a firm commitment to Porto. He has now repeated it after claims of Tottenham’s interest emerged.

This should be enough for now to rule out the possibility of seeing Farioli at Tottenham.

Maresca and De Zerbi linked to Tottenham

Sweden manager Graham Potter could be without Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall for March’s international break.

Sweden are in Group B4 of the UEFA Nations League, along with Poland, Romania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. UEFA conducted the draw on Thursday in Brussels and Potter then spoke to the reporters. In March, though it’s World Cup play-offs.

Sportbladet have relayed Potter’s comments on the Tottenham duo and a few other players.

Kulusevski hasn’t played for Tottenham this season

The attacking midfielder picked up an injury in May 2025, before Spurs’ Europa League final win over Manchester United. The 25-year-old underwent surgery and earlier claims talked about his return in December.

Kulusevski hasn’t featured for the Premier League side so far this season and isn’t close to regaining full fitness.

Earlier this week, Sport Witness covered claims from Sweden he’s likely to miss the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on March 26th. That’s because he would be out for longer than expected and this is ‘grim news’ for Sweden and Spurs.

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak is another key player for the national team and he’s been on the sidelines since December.

Potter on Kulusevski and Bergvall

Potter was asked about Kulusevski and Isak’s availability for the World Cup play-off.

Responding to that, he said: “It’s hard to say, there’s still time for them. They’re doing their rehabilitation well in the clubs. There’s still time.

“I hope so, but they have two big injuries. It will be tough to come back in March. They have good rehab staff behind them so there’s a chance.”

Kulusevski and Isak, for their part, are pushing to be available for March’s key fixture.

“I have spoken to both of them. They are optimistic and are working very, very hard at their clubs to be able to play with us in March,” Potter explained.

Bergvall, on the other hand, has featured for Tottenham this season and played 26 games so far. The 20-year-old midfielder suffered an ankle injury in January and has been out of action since then. Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson is also on the sidelines.

Potter also has concerns over Bergvall and Johansson’s availability for the clash against Ukraine.

On these two players, he added: “It’s a bit the same as for Alex and Dejan. There’s still some time left before the match against Ukraine, and it will be tough for them, but we’re hoping for them too.”

On Wednesday, Sport Witness covered Gazzetta dello Sport’s update about Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario.

Italy’s pink daily reported Juventus joining the race for the goalkeeper, with Inter Milan already keen. The 29-year-old was viewed as a replacement for Yann Sommer by the Nerazzurri, with the Swiss leaving in the summer.

The newspaper made it clear that Vicario was happy at Tottenham but would jump on the chance to return to Italy.

It now seems like Gazzetta have taken a step further to explain his situation.

Vicario can reduce Tottenham fee

The newspaper now report that Vicario wants to leave Tottenham. Unlike the previous report, they don’t think he is happy in London and is seeking a departure. He would prefer a return to Italy and this desire can dictate everything.

The report speaks of a Spurs’ price of €30m. Vicario’s current deal runs out in 2028 and Tottenham can use that to hold their valuation for the player.

This is unlikely to be easy because Vicario wants to leave. And the situation can favour Inter and Juventus, who are mentioned as suitors once again.

The two clubs are preparing for a summer duel and are laying down the groundwork for a transfer.

While Sommer’s contract at Inter runs out in some months, Michele Di Gregorio’s situation is now uncertain in Turin. Clubs in England are interested in the Italian and Vicario is seen as a replacement.

Tottenham exit can help Vicario

So far this season, the Italy international has had a torrid time between the sticks.

He has often been booed by the club’s fans and has been at fault for multiple goals across the campaign.

Vicario had improved on the ball under Ange Postecoglou, but his levels seemed to have dropped under Thomas Frank. He doesn’t seem reliable on the ball and his shot-stopping has dipped too.

Going back to Italy can possibly help him get back to his best and get away from the toxic situation at Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur are working on appointing a new manager, after parting ways with Thomas Frank on Wednesday.

Earlier today, Sport Witness covered claims from Italy that Enzo Maresca is in pole for the Tottenham job.

Spurs showed the exit door to the Dane due to poor results and performances. Tottenham won 13 of the 38 matches managed by Frank, and the Danish media share their take on what could have gone wrong for him at the north London club.

Former Everton, Real Madrid and Celtic midfielder Thomas Gravesen is now an expert for Viaplay in Denmark, and PL Bold have relayed his comments. He was accompanied by former Beşiktaş and Aberdeen goalkeeper, Peter Kjær.

Tottenham players responsible for Frank’s exit

PL Bold claim the duo ‘noticed a worrying trend: the players’ lack of respect for their Danish boss’ at Tottenham.

Spurs finished fourth in the Champions League group stage, while have struggled in the Premier League. The north London club are now 16th in the table, five points ahead of 18th placed West Ham United.

Tottenham have seven wins after 26 Premier League matches, and Gravesen believes their players have let Frank down.

“We have seen the way the players have behaved towards Thomas Frank. We have seen the way the players have performed, have solved the tasks, it has been under all criticism,” he said.

Frank was too soft at Tottenham

Gravesen believes his compatriot needs to take responsibility for failing to get a hold over players at Tottenham. The 49-year-old joined Spurs, after spending seven years at Brentford.

The former Denmark midfielder is confident Frank became a ‘victim of his own loyalty to the Brentford model’.

“The arrow sometimes points back to a football coach. ‘Are you tough enough?’. ‘Are you strong enough?’ in situations that arise when you are a coach, to make these decisions that are little more than an arm on the shoulder?” Gravesen explained.

“I think Thomas has taken what he had at Brentford with him to Tottenham and believed that an arm around these guys’ shoulders will take us a long way. I think Thomas should have been tougher. Much, much tougher in his rhetoric.”

Parma’s Mandela Keita is on Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa’s radar.

On New Year’s Eve, Sport Witness covered claims from Italy that a Spurs scout watched the 23-year-old. Aston Villa have now joined Thomas Frank’s side in the transfer chase.

That’s according to Parma Today, who report several Premier League sides, including Tottenham and Unai Emery’s side, are following the Belgian.

The Belgian joined the Serie A side from Royal Antwerp in August 2024.

His performances for his former club had helped him make debut for the national team in October 2023. He hasn’t featured for De Rode Duivels and last received a call up in June 2024.

Belgian impressing with recent performances

Keita made 24 league starts last season and already has 22 starts this season. The outlet uses his recent performances against Juventus, Atalanta and Bologna as examples to highlight his importance for manager Carlos Cuesta.

His performances haven’t gone unnoticed in England, where Tottenham and Aston Villa are among the player’s suitors.

According to the report, the Europa League winners have been monitoring the Belgian for a while. It would mean the north London club’s official continue to scout him closely. This puts Spurs ahead of the Villa Park club, even though the latter recently joined the chase.

Tottenham and Aston Villa face Serie A competition

Keita is also attracting interest from Serie A where Napoli have been following him from his spell at Royal Antwerp.

The Belgian has a contract until 2029. According to the report, Parma would need at least €25m to start negotiations for his potential sale in the summer.

Their title says ‘Premier League awaits him’. However, there isn’t anything within the report backing Tottenham or Aston Villa planning to make advances. For now, the two English clubs seem to be keeping a close watch on Keita.

Meanwhile, Belgium manager Rudi Garcia has Keita on his radar ahead of the upcoming international break.

On Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur parted ways with Thomas Frank, after a series of poor results.

The Dane, who arrived at the north London club in the summer, managed 38 matches and won 13 of them.

Spurs are yet to register a league win in this calendar year and have two Premier League victories since November. This convinced the Tottenham board to show Frank the exit door.

Roberto De Zerbi linked to Tottenham

The English are looking for a new manager, and reports have named a few candidates. On Wednesday, Sport Witness covered claims from France of Spurs’ interest in Roberto De Zerbi, who left Marseille on Wednesday.

Sportitalia now take a look at these claims and provide their own take on De Zerbi joining Tottenham.

Despite the links, the report claims the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss isn’t the main target for Tottenham.

Enzo Maresca top target for north London club

The outlet states Enzo Maresca has emerged as a ‘surprise’ target for Tottenham. The Italian is the ‘hottest name’ and is ‘in pole position’ to become Frank’s successor.

Maresca managed Leicester City during the 2023/24 season and helped them secure promotion to the Premier League.

His work for the Foxes had convinced Chelsea to bring him to Stamford Bridge. The Italian guided the Blues to the UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup success in 2025.

The manager left Chelsea in January, after a reported fallout with their owners. He has been without a job since then, but Sportitalia claim Tottenham could change that.

Maresca had developed few players and improved the collective performance of the team at Chelsea. This is what has attracted Tottenham.

Spurs want the former Parma boss to ‘revitalise a struggling Tottenham, bring stability to the project, and maximise the squad’s potential.’