Goal.com

Vuskovic confirmed his intentions in an interview with the German outlet Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The 19-year-old is currently refining his game on loan at Hamburg in the Bundesliga, where his stellar performances have caught the eye. The youngster originally agreed to join Spurs from Hajduk Split last summer but has spent the current campaign developing his skills abroad. His output has been remarkably high for a centre-back, scoring five goals in 25 appearances. This goal-scoring touch, combined with his defensive presence, proves his stock is rapidly rising on the continent.

Speaking directly about the speculation surrounding his future, Vuskovic remained realistic about the transfer market but highlighted his long-term commitment. The defender provided the exact reassurance the club need right now. "In football, you never know," Vuskovic said. "It could happen next year, or in 10 years. I don't want to promise anyone anything. After this season, I'll be a Tottenham player again. I have a contract there until 2030." This full commitment ends fears he might seek a permanent move elsewhere before making a competitive debut for his parent club.

The return of the young centre-half will provide a vital boost for De Zerbi, as Tottenham have a summer of upheaval ahead. The backline are expected to look very different next season, with veteran Ben Davies likely to depart upon the expiration of his contract. Davies is sidelined for the remainder of the campaign with a broken ankle. Furthermore, the club are facing the threat of a shock relegation, casting doubt over the futures of star duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. This uncertainty is compounded by heavy interest from abroad. Romero has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, while Van de Ven has attracted serious attention from Spanish giants, as Barcelona have made him a primary target alongside Real Madrid. If Spurs have to lose established internationals, they will need Vuskovic to hit the ground running. For now, the teenager focuses on finishing the season strongly before his loan expires on June 30.

Speaking to Tottenham's official website in his first interview, De Zerbi issued a defiant message regarding his long-term future at the club. As Spurs gear up for a desperate survival scrap in the final seven games of the season, the manager addressed the worst-case scenario. Despite arriving under the most difficult of circumstances, he emphasised his absolute loyalty to the project, effectively ending any speculation that he might activate an exit clause. Setting the record straight regarding the prospect of relegation, he declared: “I signed five years of contract because, for me, it's a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what.”

While renowned for the intricate style that revolutionised Brighton & Hove Albion, the new boss insists that his aesthetic approach must take a back seat to the harsh reality of a relegation battle. With a crucial trip to Sunderland looming on April 12, the focus has shifted entirely toward results. He admitted that survival trumps the beauty of build-up play right now. “It's not the right moment to speak about my philosophy for football,” he explained. “I’m here now at the end of the season because we have to win the games. In football, the style of play, the tactical disposition are important. There is a mentality and I would like to help the players to reach the best mentality we can show.”

Despite his pragmatism regarding the current predicament, the Italian offered a glimpse into how he expects his side to function in transition. Demanding total commitment at both ends of the pitch, he detailed his expectations for the team's collective work rate: “I love keeping the ball, I love possession, I love great chances to score, but at the same time, I love 11 defenders when we have not the ball, because in this time of football, we have to attack with 11 players, with the goalkeeper as well, and we have to defend with 11 players when the ball is not for us.”

Relying on the squad's inherent ability, he noted: “In this moment, we have no time to work too much on more principles, but we have to know what we have to do on the pitch. We have to have a good organisation, with the ball, without the ball. We have to consider the qualities of the players. We are lucky - I am lucky - because I have big players with big talent and my work is to help the players to show their qualities.”

The reality of Tottenham's situation is stark. The club sit 17th in the Premier League table on 30 points, hovering a precarious one point above West Ham United in the relegation zone. De Zerbi’s tenure begins with a trip to Sunderlandon April 12, followed by a home clash against his former employers, Brighton. The run-in includes absolute must-win fixtures against basement club Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25 and 15th-placed Leeds United on May 11. However, Spurs will also have to navigate difficult away tests against high-flying Aston Villa and Chelsea before concluding their campaign at home to Everton on May 24. With their top-flight status hanging by a thread, every single point will be crucial.

Speaking to Tottenham's official website in his first interview, De Zerbi issued a defiant message regarding his long-term future at the club. As Spurs gear up for a desperate survival scrap in the final seven games of the season, the manager addressed the worst-case scenario. Despite arriving under the most difficult of circumstances, he emphasised his absolute loyalty to the project, effectively ending any speculation that he might activate an exit clause. Setting the record straight regarding the prospect of relegation, he declared: “I signed five years of contract because, for me, it's a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what.”

While renowned for the intricate style that revolutionised Brighton & Hove Albion, the new boss insists that his aesthetic approach must take a back seat to the harsh reality of a relegation battle. With a crucial trip to Sunderland looming on April 12, the focus has shifted entirely toward results. He admitted that survival trumps the beauty of build-up play right now. “It's not the right moment to speak about my philosophy for football,” he explained. “I’m here now at the end of the season because we have to win the games. In football, the style of play, the tactical disposition are important. There is a mentality and I would like to help the players to reach the best mentality we can show.”

Despite his pragmatism regarding the current predicament, the Italian offered a glimpse into how he expects his side to function in transition. Demanding total commitment at both ends of the pitch, he detailed his expectations for the team's collective work rate: “I love keeping the ball, I love possession, I love great chances to score, but at the same time, I love 11 defenders when we have not the ball, because in this time of football, we have to attack with 11 players, with the goalkeeper as well, and we have to defend with 11 players when the ball is not for us.”

Relying on the squad's inherent ability, he noted: “In this moment, we have no time to work too much on more principles, but we have to know what we have to do on the pitch. We have to have a good organisation, with the ball, without the ball. We have to consider the qualities of the players. We are lucky - I am lucky - because I have big players with big talent and my work is to help the players to show their qualities.”

The reality of Tottenham's situation is stark. The club sit 17th in the Premier League table on 30 points, hovering a precarious one point above West Ham United in the relegation zone. De Zerbi’s tenure begins with a trip to Sunderlandon April 12, followed by a home clash against his former employers, Brighton. The run-in includes absolute must-win fixtures against basement club Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25 and 15th-placed Leeds United on May 11. However, Spurs will also have to navigate difficult away tests against high-flying Aston Villa and Chelsea before concluding their campaign at home to Everton on May 24. With their top-flight status hanging by a thread, every single point will be crucial.

Speaking to Tottenham's official website in his first interview, De Zerbi issued a defiant message regarding his long-term future at the club. As Spurs gear up for a desperate survival scrap in the final seven games of the season, the manager addressed the worst-case scenario. Despite arriving under the most difficult of circumstances, he emphasised his absolute loyalty to the project, effectively ending any speculation that he might activate an exit clause. Setting the record straight regarding the prospect of relegation, he declared: “I signed five years of contract because, for me, it's a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what.”

While renowned for the intricate style that revolutionised Brighton & Hove Albion, the new boss insists that his aesthetic approach must take a back seat to the harsh reality of a relegation battle. With a crucial trip to Sunderland looming on April 12, the focus has shifted entirely toward results. He admitted that survival trumps the beauty of build-up play right now. “It's not the right moment to speak about my philosophy for football,” he explained. “I’m here now at the end of the season because we have to win the games. In football, the style of play, the tactical disposition are important. There is a mentality and I would like to help the players to reach the best mentality we can show.”

Despite his pragmatism regarding the current predicament, the Italian offered a glimpse into how he expects his side to function in transition. Demanding total commitment at both ends of the pitch, he detailed his expectations for the team's collective work rate: “I love keeping the ball, I love possession, I love great chances to score, but at the same time, I love 11 defenders when we have not the ball, because in this time of football, we have to attack with 11 players, with the goalkeeper as well, and we have to defend with 11 players when the ball is not for us.”

Relying on the squad's inherent ability, he noted: “In this moment, we have no time to work too much on more principles, but we have to know what we have to do on the pitch. We have to have a good organisation, with the ball, without the ball. We have to consider the qualities of the players. We are lucky - I am lucky - because I have big players with big talent and my work is to help the players to show their qualities.”

The reality of Tottenham's situation is stark. The club sit 17th in the Premier League table on 30 points, hovering a precarious one point above West Ham United in the relegation zone. De Zerbi’s tenure begins with a trip to Sunderlandon April 12, followed by a home clash against his former employers, Brighton. The run-in includes absolute must-win fixtures against basement club Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25 and 15th-placed Leeds United on May 11. However, Spurs will also have to navigate difficult away tests against high-flying Aston Villa and Chelsea before concluding their campaign at home to Everton on May 24. With their top-flight status hanging by a thread, every single point will be crucial.

Speaking to Tottenham's official website in his first interview, De Zerbi issued a defiant message regarding his long-term future at the club. As Spurs gear up for a desperate survival scrap in the final seven games of the season, the manager addressed the worst-case scenario. Despite arriving under the most difficult of circumstances, he emphasised his absolute loyalty to the project, effectively ending any speculation that he might activate an exit clause. Setting the record straight regarding the prospect of relegation, he declared: “I signed five years of contract because, for me, it's a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what.”

While renowned for the intricate style that revolutionised Brighton & Hove Albion, the new boss insists that his aesthetic approach must take a back seat to the harsh reality of a relegation battle. With a crucial trip to Sunderland looming on April 12, the focus has shifted entirely toward results. He admitted that survival trumps the beauty of build-up play right now. “It's not the right moment to speak about my philosophy for football,” he explained. “I’m here now at the end of the season because we have to win the games. In football, the style of play, the tactical disposition are important. There is a mentality and I would like to help the players to reach the best mentality we can show.”

Despite his pragmatism regarding the current predicament, the Italian offered a glimpse into how he expects his side to function in transition. Demanding total commitment at both ends of the pitch, he detailed his expectations for the team's collective work rate: “I love keeping the ball, I love possession, I love great chances to score, but at the same time, I love 11 defenders when we have not the ball, because in this time of football, we have to attack with 11 players, with the goalkeeper as well, and we have to defend with 11 players when the ball is not for us.”

Relying on the squad's inherent ability, he noted: “In this moment, we have no time to work too much on more principles, but we have to know what we have to do on the pitch. We have to have a good organisation, with the ball, without the ball. We have to consider the qualities of the players. We are lucky - I am lucky - because I have big players with big talent and my work is to help the players to show their qualities.”

The reality of Tottenham's situation is stark. The club sit 17th in the Premier League table on 30 points, hovering a precarious one point above West Ham United in the relegation zone. De Zerbi’s tenure begins with a trip to Sunderlandon April 12, followed by a home clash against his former employers, Brighton. The run-in includes absolute must-win fixtures against basement club Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25 and 15th-placed Leeds United on May 11. However, Spurs will also have to navigate difficult away tests against high-flying Aston Villa and Chelsea before concluding their campaign at home to Everton on May 24. With their top-flight status hanging by a thread, every single point will be crucial.

Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero’s father, Víctor, has responded to recent reports suggesting his son could be eyeing a move away from north London.

Speaking to Cadena 3 about the latest rumours, Victor admitted the situation has escalated rapidly. “It’s a bombshell that keeps getting bigger. I hope it’s true; as a Belgrano fan and a father, what more could I want, but I don’t know anything,” he stated.

He expressed surprise at the claims, noting that "Cuti isn’t one to make statements, that’s why it surprises me.”

One of the most significant revelations involves the financial terms required to prise the World Cup winner away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Despite signing a new contract recently, it appears that specific mechanisms are in place that allow certain clubs to trigger a move for a fixed fee. Romero's father confirmed that the Spurs would look to at least recoup their initial investment should a sale occur. “He has two more years on his contract with Tottenham and a very high release clause. The English club isn’t going to let him go for free; it’s between $50-70m [€43.4-60.6m]. For me, they’ll want to recover what they invested,” he explained.

Reports have previously suggested a special "preferential" clause allows the Spanish trio of Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona to secure him for €60m (£52m/$69m).

The defender's father's comments come at a time when the player himself has admitted to feeling the strain of Tottenham's difficult season.

Spurs currently find themselves in a precarious position in the Premier League, sitting just one point above the relegation zone under new management.

While on international duty, the centre-back gave a blunt assessment of his current situation. He confessed that he is "not having the best time" at Tottenham, although he reaffirmed his professionalism.

"Beyond everything, I have to get myself right, I have to focus on the club now," he added, acknowledging the need to help the team climb away from the bottom of the table.

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the recent news cycle is the report that Romero could eventually look to return to his roots at Club Atletico Belgrano. While a move to a European giant like Real Madrid remains the most likely professional step, the sentimental pull of his boyhood club remains a factor for the future.

“I don’t know anything, but in football anything can happen," Victor Romero added when pressed on the Belgrano links. "Today you might be thinking about being close to your family, and tomorrow they put together a team to win the championship and everything changes. I don’t want to lie.”

As Tottenham face the very real threat of relegation, Wanyama has called on the squad and the supporters to throw their full weight behind new appointment De Zerbi. The Italian tactician has inherited a side sitting just one point above the drop zone, but Wanyama believes the former Brighton man is the right person to steady the ship at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Addressing the appointment, Wanyama was full of praise for the new man in the dugout. "I think everyone should just rally behind him," the Kenyan said to The Times. "He’s a fantastic young coach and I think he will deliver. De Zerbi has shown that everywhere he has gone, he has improved the club. So why not with Spurs? I know he will turn things around. He’ll deliver."

The Italian has already made it clear that he is committed to the project long-term, famously stating that he will remain the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what happens with their league status.

The prospect of Spurs dropping into the Championship would have seemed impossible just two years ago, but a disastrous run of form and an unprecedented injury crisis have left the club reeling. Wanyama admitted he often has to reassure worried neighbours about the club's future.

"I would remind them how good they are," Wanyama said of the current playing staff. "And tell them they have already made history, some of them, by winning the Europa League. They need to make sure they don’t ruin what they have done before, to make sure that they take the club out of the relegation zone. And I know they’re capable of doing that because they are better than people think they are. Where they are right now, it doesn’t define them. It doesn’t define the club."

Wanyama’s most successful years came under Pochettino, who was linked with a return to Spurs before De Zerbi's appointment. While many fans had hoped for a return for the current USMNT boss, Wanyama believes the players must now find the same internal drive that the Argentine used to demand.

"He was like a father figure to everyone because he was there on the field and also off the field," Wanyama recalled. "And he demanded a lot in a very unique way. He used to treat players the way every player needed to be treated. He knew all the strengths of everyone and he knew who needed to be lifted or needed a little bit of a kick to wake up. He was always honest with me. I wanted to show him that I could stay at the highest level with the hard work that he was demanding."

Ange Postecoglou did bring a 17-year wait for major silverware to a close in 2025 when delivering Europa League glory, but was relieved of his managerial duties a matter of weeks later. Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor have both passed through the Spurs dugout since then, with the latter lasting just 44 days and seven games at the helm.

Reins have now been passed to Roberto De Zerbi, with the Italian tactician being charged with the task of overseeing a rescue mission. He has plenty of talent at his disposal, but is having to contend with unfortunate injury issues. Is the squad that he has inherited deep enough to deal with those?

Obvious questions have been asked of movement in and out of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium across recent windows, with the likes of Harry Kane, Hugo Lloris and Heung-min Son departing. Value for money has proved hard to come by when drafting in replacements for seasoned international superstars.

Pressed on whether transfer business is to blame for the mess at Spurs, Friedel - speaking exclusively in association with Gambling.com, the experts in UK Online Casinos - told GOAL: “This is a really tough one. I've been in many debates with people on it. So one of the issues that Tottenham has, they're one foot in the door of being a massive club. They're a big club. It's a great club, by the way. It is a magnificent club. But when you're talking about signing foreign players and you're competing with Man City and you're competing with Liverpool, you're competing with Arsenal and Man United and Chelsea. All those other clubs are seen as Premier League winners and Champions League winners. That's how the foreign agents deal with it. And that's how the foreign players deal with it. And they're right, if you look in the history of who's won the Premier League and who's won the Champions League.

“So to come to Tottenham, you usually get quoted more money: ‘Well, I've come to Tottenham, it's more money’. Tottenham has a lot of money, but they have a little bit less money as well. They're servicing a debt on a stadium. They just built a training ground, and the Lewis family hasn't notably just given 100 million of their own money to go and buy players. So Daniel Levy had to create revenue streams, which he did brilliantly for the club.

“But then you get into this conundrum of, we could sign that player and his value is a hundred grand a week, but he says he'll come to Tottenham on 150 a week. He's not worth 150 a week. Plus, do we want a player that is only coming here for the money? So I think they miss out on a lot of players for sensible reasons.

“So it's not as simple as just going and splashing the cash. Because if you have, let's say the Premier League now this season and Tottenham stay up and Tottenham are going for the same players as Arsenal, which happens often, that these Premier League clubs are going after the similar players. That player will accept a certain amount of money to play for Arsenal and play in the Champions League and with the Premier League winners. It's not going to be the same amount for Tottenham. You go to Tottenham, but only if it's more money because he wouldn't see that winning all the trophies in Tottenham is the thing to do.”

Friedel, who spent four years with Spurs between 2011 and 2015, went on to say: “So the real risk that you have for Tottenham is do we completely obliterate our wage structure and go for it or not? And if you do break your wage structure and go for it, there's no guarantee you're winning the Premier League because Liverpool are going to build again, Man City is going to build again, Man United is getting better and they're going to build again.

“So I commend Daniel Levy for the job that he did with the funds that he was given and the revenue streams that he created. Taking the next step is tough. It's really hard once you've gotten that. And I think Aston Villa are in that very similar situation now. You know, they do another year in the Champions League and they get the money again, their revenue goes up again. They're just about in that same situation.”

De Zerbi has moved to bridge the gap with the Tottenham faithful by apologising for comments made regarding Greenwood. The controversy stems from De Zerbi’s time in Ligue 1, where he worked closely with the ex-Manchester United forward. Upon his appointment as Igor Tudor's successor in north London, various supporters' groups expressed their concerns, with the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust suggesting that De Zerbi's past comments threatened to "create a divide among supporters" at a time when unity is essential to back the team. In his first official interview as Spurs boss, De Zerbi sought to clarify his position and express regret for any distress caused to the fanbase.

De Zerbi was keen to stress that his previous remarks were not intended to minimise serious social issues. "I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women, or violence against anyone more broadly," the former Brighton manager explained. "In my life, I’ve always stood up for those who are more vulnerable, more fragile. I’ve consistently fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are most at risk.

"Those of you who know me well will know that I’m not the kind of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title. I’m sorry if I offended anyone’s feeling with this subject matter. I have a daughter and I’m very sensitive to these things, and I always have been. I hope that over time people will get to know me better and will understand that at that moment I didn’t mean to take a stance."

De Zerbi had previously described Greenwood as a "good guy" when working with him at Marseille, defending his character after the forward's legal troubles while he was on the books of Man Utd. Greenwood was arrested on January 31, 2022, on suspicion of rape and assault. In October that year, he was charged with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The charges against Greenwood, which he always denied, were dropped in February 2023 due to "a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."

Greenwood played 68 games for Marseille under De Zerbi after joining the club from United in the summer of 2024. De Zerbi said when pressed on Greenwood's past criminal case during his time at Orange Velodrome: "He’s a good guy, he paid a heavy price for what happened, a very heavy price. He has found the right environment for him. We have lent him a hand and given him affection. He’s a little bit introverted but I know him and his family."

Before Greenwood's move to Marseille was finalised, De Zerbi had also stated: "Mason is a world-class player, but we have not recruited him yet. I don’t know what happened, but I am not used to get involved in my players’ private life. If he comes here, you have to know that I treat all my players like my sons."

De Zerbi will now turn his attention to preparing for his first game in the Tottenham dugout as the club seeks to avoid relegation from the Premier League, with a trip to Sunderland on the cards on April 12.

According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, the north London club have handed De Zerbi a long-term contract running until 2031, granting him unprecedented authority. While modern Premier League structures usually favour a head coach working under a sporting director, Tottenham have given the 46-year-old influence that extends well beyond the training pitch. He is expected to oversee a total overhaul of the club's footballing operations, mirroring the legendary level of control once enjoyed by Ferguson at Manchester United. This comes despite the club fighting a grim relegation battle.

Under the terms of his agreement, De Zerbi is expected to be the central figure in all footballing decisions, including the vital tasks of squad building and recruitment. It is a structure that has become increasingly rare in the modern game, where even serial winners like Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta operate within strict executive frameworks. The report suggests the former Brighton boss was initially hesitant to take the job mid-season. However, the executive team were so determined to land their man that they agreed to align fully with his vision, offering complete managerial autonomy.

Despite grand plans, De Zerbi faces a grim reality. Tottenham sit just one point above the relegation zone, remain winless in 2026, and possess an injury-depleted squad. The manager stressed the immediate need to climb the table while simultaneously building a side capable of “great achievements”. By empowering him so extensively, Spurs have gambled their future on a single philosophy. Success could bring the stability missed since the Mauricio Pochettino era, but relegation would make this decade-spanning structure a severe burden. Ultimately, fans hope this singular football voice ends years of directionless spending.