Spurs Web

Tottenham Hotspur have begun work trying to hire a new sporting director after Fabio Paratici’s departure and amidst the uncertainty over the future of Johan Lange.

Paratici departed Spurs at the end of the January window to join Fiorentina as the club’s head of football, leaving a vacuum at the North London club.

Additionally, it has also been reported that Lange is at risk of losing his job at Tottenham this summer even if the Lilywhites preserve their Premier League status.

Reports over recent weeks have revealed that Spurs are assessing candidates to become their next sporting director, and a new update has suggested that two names are at the top of their wishlist.

Sebastian Kehl and Tiago Pinto considered for Tottenham sporting director role

Over recent days, it has been revealed that Spurs have held intensive discussions with Sebastian Kehl over their sporting director role, after the German left the same role with Borussia Dortmund last month.

A new report in The Daily Mail has backed up the Lilywhites’ interest in the 46-year-old, naming him as one of two potential options who could arrive at Hotspur Way.

The other name on the Lilywhites’ radar is said to be Bournemouth’s president of football operations, Tiago Pinto, who previously served as a director at Roma and Benfica.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The report also reveals that if Lange is still at Tottenham next season, it is expected to be in a less crucial role, potentially working under the new appointment.

Spurs making two distinct plans for summer window

The Mail backs up what other sources have reported on the matter by revealing that De Zerbi will hold sway in deciding who the club’s next sporting director will be.

It is explained that for the next month, the club will put two different recruitment plans in place with two different budgets, one to be implemented if they survive in the Premier League and the other if they do down.

The outlet adds that if the Lilywhites were to be relegated, their expenditure in the summer will depend on outgoings, and recruitment would thus need to be adjusted accordingly.

Tottenham Hotspur are running out of time to salvage their season, with their remaining fixtures now set to define whether they can pull off a late escape. We have now compared Spurs’ fixtures with those of their relegation rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in unfamiliar territory in the business end of the 2025–26 season, sitting uncomfortably in 18th place in the Premier League table.

Spurs are not used to a relegation scrap, having enjoyed top-flight status for 48 years, but now they are on the cusp of losing it all.

Tottenham’s latest 1-0 defeat to Sunderland has only increased their chances of being relegated, while their relegation rivals’ chances of survival have been greatly boosted.

We now have just six games left to go and, for Spurs, picking up victories in each of those games is absolutely crucial if they are to keep their survival hopes alive.

Spurs fixtures compared with Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United

Of course, with Tottenham sitting 18th in the league table, their fate is no longer entirely in their own hands, as they will need their relegation rivals to slip up in the final months of the season.

But how likely are those slip-ups? We have now taken a look at the final six games of Spurs’ relegation rivals, including Leeds United, West Ham United and Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham Hotspur’s next six Premier League fixtures:

Leeds United’s next six fixtures

Nottingham Forest’s next six fixtures

Roberto De Zerbi has highlighted the importance of Tottenham Hotspur beating Brighton and it is about more than just the three points.

The Premier League table looks frightening to those of a Tottenham Hotspur persuasion, with relegation proving to be a real possibility.

Spurs may have looked bad under Thomas Frank, but they are only one point better off since the Dane received his marching orders.

This weekend, winning is an absolute necessity to prevent Spurs from falling even further from the Premier League survival spots.

However, Roberto De Zerbi believes there is another reason for his team needing to break their pattern of consecutive draws and defeats.

Tottenham need to remember what it feels like to win, says Roberto De Zerbi

It has only been just over a month since Spurs won a match, but a second leg win in an overall Champions League defeat can only do so much to build confidence.

De Zerbi actually thinks Tottenham have forgotten how it feels to come out on top, which is why beating Brighton would mean so much.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Asked in his pre-match press conference if the Lilywhites need to get the ball rolling, he replied: “In my words, what I said last week was the focus is to win one game. I don’t know if tomorrow we are able to win, I hope. I think we have the quality enough to win a game, but anyway we have to be stronger because the qualities of the players are bigger than all the difficulties we are spending in this moment.”

He added: “Yes, I think it’s crucial to win a game, not just for the table. One part for the table, for sure, but because we have to feel again what is nice to win a game and what they can do. Because I have no doubt about the qualities of the players.

“When I watch the list of the squad, Bentancur, Bissouma, Palhinha, Xavi Simons, Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Van de Ven, I’m a lucky for that.

“Now it’s a tough moment, but to achieve the great target you have to pass through the difficulties. You have to go through the difficulties, you have to get over the difficulties. There are maybe too many difficulties.”

Finally, De Zerbi said: “I have to get to know the players better and better every week. It is much better. We have no time to lose. We have no time to understand the problems we have this season.

“We have to be focused just on the next game and to transfer confidence. I can bring myself, I can bring my philosophy of football but also I’m working to create the good atmosphere, a good relationship with the players.

“I think in this moment of football, especially for Tottenham in this season, the qualities of the players are important but the spirit and the relationship between the players, the love the players put for the club is more important for sure.”

If Tottenham manage to pull off De Zerbi’s ‘just win the next game’ approach, and their rivals drop points, Spurs could end up two places clear of the relegation zone by Monday evening.

Spurs could struggle against Brighton

If Tottenham were going to finally get a win in the Premier League, it would have been far more convenient to show up and play well against Nottingham Forest.

After all, Brighton are actually a very good team and have won five of their past six matches in the top flight.

Three of these were away fixtures, with the Seagulls overcoming Brentford, Sunderland and Burnley without conceding a single goal.

Therefore, a win for Tottenham will be viewed as unlikely. However, fine margins separated them from Sunderland, and the hosts will be hoping for the same on Saturday, only weighted in their own favour this time around.

Roberto De Zerbi has revealed the important reason as to why he has decided to wait before naming his captain ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s match against Brighton.

Tottenham Hotspur have been battling injury issues pretty much non-stop for the past two seasons, and this problem does not look to be going away.

Recently, Mohammed Kudus suffered a setback when it looked like he would soon be returning from his quad issue.

Then last Sunday, Cristian Romero suffered an injury which could see him ruled out for the season.

This of course occurred due to a disgraceful shove in the back by Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey, which caused the defender to collide with Antonin Kinsky.

Roberto De Zerbi is yet to choose a new Tottenham captain

With Romero out, Roberto De Zerbi must decide which player he wants to lead Spurs when they take on his former employers this Saturday.

However, this is a decision which the Italian is still working on, as he has been dealing with more important issues.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi told the media: “I had other more important problems to find a solution. I would like all players to be a captain. We have to feel everyone, the responsibility of this situation.”

The captaincy is not Tottenham’s greatest concern

Whether it is Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro or even Conor Gallagher wearing the armband on Saturday, this is not the most important factor affecting whether Spurs win or lose.

De Zerbi is right not to treat it as his primary concern, because it is more important that each individual takes responsibility for their own performance and shows initiative.

Getting the tactics spot on has to be the manager’s main ambition, as failing to do so could see Tottenham slip even further away from safety.

Nottingham Forest have a good chance of beating Burnley, while a win at Selhurst Park for West Ham would not exactly be a massive shock.

Therefore, it is essential that Spurs focus on what they do on the pitch in order to secure a vital three points in the Premier League for the first time since December.

Roberto De Zerbi has praised James Maddison’s leadership, while revealing his plans for integrating the midfielder back into Tottenham Hotspur’s squad.

Tottenham Hotspur have been without James Maddison for the best part of a year and his loss has been felt by each member of the team.

Indeed, Spurs are 18th in the Premier League table, trailing London rivals West Ham by two points after they thrashed Wolves last weekend.

Therefore, it came as excellent news that Maddison returned to Tottenham training this week, providing hope of a return before the end of the season.

James Maddison will not be rushed by Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham

Unfortunately, Maddison’s return will not be immediate, but this is actually a good thing considering how long he has been sidelined.

Instead of rushing the 29-year-old, Roberto De Zerbi is keen to ensure he is fully recovered before getting back to competitive action.

The Italian addressed this in his press conference, while reflecting on Maddison’s leadership, which he hopes will rub off on other players in the Tottenham first-team squad.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“There are a lot of different types of leaders. Real leaders who talks inside the dressing room, Maddison is a top player on the pitch with the ball but also as a personality, mentality on the pitch,” De Zerbi said.

“I would like to reach this level for Micky van de Ven, [Joao] Palhinha is a leader, [Rodrigo] Bentancur, I would like to push with [Dominic] Solanke, he is one of the best strikers in the Premier League. I want him stronger as a character on the pitch.

I don’t want to push too much as we lost [Mohammed] Kudus in this way. I will use the players when they are totally available to play and start the training, it’s better to lose one game more than get another injury.”

Rodrigo Bentancur is back for Spurs

Although Maddison is not yet available, Bentancur has recovered from a hamstring injury which has seen him miss 11 Premier League matches since January.

The Uruguayan international was slammed for his lethargic performances earlier in the season, which all too often consisted of low-risk passes.

However, he might be able to help bring some control to a Tottenham midfield who need all the help they can get. Right now, De Zerbi needs as many players available as possible, otherwise the fate of Spurs will already be sealed.

Roberto De Zerbi has now provided an injury update on his Tottenham Hotspur squad ahead of their crucial encounter with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to resume their fight to avoid the drop this weekend as they take on Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.

Spurs come into this clash off the back of a winless run in 2026, having failed to win any of their last 14 league games this year – a stretch that has seen them drop into the Premier League’s bottom three for the first time this season.

Brighton, on the other hand, is in much better form, coming into this game off the back of three consecutive wins, including a 2-0 victory in their last encounter against Burnley.

Roberto De Zerbi’s former side is also pushing for a European spot, currently sitting ninth but just one point off sixth in the Europa League places and six points behind fifth in the Champions League spots.

They will be keen to secure victory on Saturday to boost their chances of European qualification.

However, De Zerbi will be aiming to dent those aspirations as he welcomes his former side to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since his move to north London.

MORE SPURS STORIES

He will also be hoping to secure his first victory in front of his home support after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Sunderland last time out.

Spurs remain the worst home side in the division, as they have managed just two wins in front of their home support all season.

Speaking ahead of the clash against his former side, De Zerbi has now provided an injury update on his Tottenham squad.

We expect that at least seven Spurs players could miss out on the game against Brighton this weekend, although that number could be reduced to seven following Rodrigo Bentancur’s return to training.

But while the Uruguayan has returned, Spurs are now set to be without Cristian Romero for five to seven weeks following the injury he picked up against Sunderland, and he is set to miss the rest of the season.

The Argentine now joins other long-term absentees James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus and Guglielmo Vicario, who are all out ahead of this fixture.

De Zerbi told the official Tottenham channels that Romero is ruled out for the season, Bentancur and Bissouma are available again, Vicario remains out, and James Maddison is not yet ready to return to action.

He said: “Bentancur is available to play, I don’t know if he’ll start the game or not, Bissouma is available but Vicario no.

“Kinsky played very well in Sunderland but Vicario is another important player for us, big experience, character and personality.”

Speaking to Football London, De Zerbi said on Romero: “I’m really sorry for him and his injury. First of all, non-stop, the people have to know he’s suffering because of this injury and because he can’t play anymore for us in this season.

“He’s a great captain for us and for Tottenham. We have to be positive, we have Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso, they are very good to play and give us quality with the ball.”

Tottenham Hotspur have already decided that three of their players will remain at the club next season, even if the club get relegated to the Championship.

Plenty of outlets have predicted a mass exodus from Spurs this summer in the event of relegation, with clubs around Europe circling over Tottenham’s best players.

That is an outcome that the Lilywhites will be keen to avoid, as relegation would have devastating financial consequences on Spurs.

However, it appears that the club are making some plans regarding their squad building in case their dreaded nightmare comes true and they find themselves in the second tier for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Tottenham consider Conor Gallagher and co to be ‘untouchable’

TEAMtalk have now claimed that even if Spurs go down, they will not sanction a full-scale squad clearout in the summer.

While some high-profile exits would be expected at Tottenham if they drop out of the top-flight, the club are keen to avoid a fire sale and retain a core group of players.

It is revealed that midfield is one area which Roberto De Zerbi’s men are keen to keep intact, with James Maddison, Conor Gallagher and Archie Gray all viewed as ‘untouchable’ by the Lilywhites.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The midfield trio are seen as important to the club’s future, regardless of the division they play in, and their experience in the Championship is valued by Spurs.

The outlet asserts that Gray, Maddison and Gallagher remain fully committed to staying at Tottenham even if they go down.

Three big names are likely to depart Spurs if they are relegated

TEAMtalk point out that Tottenham’s wage structure includes salary reductions in case of relegations, which means they will not be under immediate pressure to sell players.

The club can afford to take ‘a more controlled appraoch’ to the summer window even if they go down, but some big names are expected to depart.

Tottenham Hotspur face a defining weekend in their fight for survival, with results elsewhere set to shape just how far a win could take them up the table.

There are no simple games for Tottenham Hotspur at this stage of the season as they fight to retain their Premier League status.

With six games left in the league, every match is simply a cup final, making it crucial for Tottenham to get wins on the board.

But Spurs have failed to do so since the turn of the year, with their dismal run of 14 games without a win now leaving them in the bottom three.

Tottenham fixtures compared with West Ham, Leeds and Forest as table stakes rise

Once again, this weekend provides Tottenham with a golden opportunity to turn their league fortunes around.

Last week, Spurs failed to secure any points, while two of their relegation rivals, West Ham United and Leeds United, won their respective games, with Nottingham Forest earning a draw in theirs.

That run has now seen them pull further away from Tottenham, who sit in 18th after West Ham leapfrogged them into 17th following their 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

In matchweek 33, Spurs face Brighton and Hove Albion, and, on paper, they are the side with the tougher game, as no team in the league is in better form than the Seagulls.

But Tottenham cannot afford to lose this encounter, as they risk losing more ground to their relegation rivals – Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and West Ham United.

Should Spurs manage a win at the weekend, they could end the week as high as 16th, but that will mean results elsewhere must go their way.

Spurs survival hopes hinge on rivals’ fixtures this weekend

Looking at the games of their relegation rivals, it is difficult to see them dropping many points this matchweek.

West Ham United are up against Crystal Palace in 15th, Nottingham Forest face 19th-placed Burnley, while Leeds United play twice this gameweek, taking on 20th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers and an in-form AFC Bournemouth.

The Hammers could easily secure a draw or a win against Palace, while it would not be a surprise to see Forest beat Burnley.

Leeds, on the other hand, could beat Wolves, and should they manage to do the same against Bournemouth, they could well guarantee their own safety.

Ultimately, this gameweek is absolutely crucial for Tottenham, who take to the pitch before Forest and West Ham United and could pile some pressure on them with a victory.

But should Spurs not secure a win this gameweek and their relegation rivals all win their respective games, Tottenham could finish the matchweek five points adrift of safety.

Tottenham Hotspur have taken a big stride towards landing Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

Over the past week, several outlets have reported that Tottenham are in close contact with Senesi’s representatives regarding a switch to N17 this summer.

Spurs are looking to get ahead of the competition for the Argentine’s signature, with the 28-year-old’s free agency making him an attractive target for several Premier League clubs.

It appears that the Lilywhites are now advancing on a deal for the Bournemouth star, even though their place in the Premier League next season is not yet guaranteed.

This comes after Tottenham also reached a verbal agreement with Andy Robertson over a summer transfer, if Spurs remain in the Premier League.

Tottenham are in advanced talks to land Marcos Senesi

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has now revealed that Spurs are now holding ‘advanced talks’ with Senesi over a switch to North London.

Ornstein clarifies that any deal would be subject to Tottenham avoiding relegation to the Championship this season. However, as things stand, it is the Lilywhites who are ‘the leading contenders’ to land the defender.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The journalist warns that no deal has been finalised between Spurs and Senesi just yet. The centre-back’s situation remains ‘open’ as other clubs continue to eye the player.

When Senesi is expected to make a final decision on his destination

The experienced defender has already told the Cherries that he is departing this summer, and it was initially reported that Senesi wants his future resolved before the World Cup.

However, earlier this week, talSPORT claimed that the Tottenham target wants to agree a deal with a new club before the end of the season.

One would thus expect these talks to accelerate over the coming weeks, and they may be greatly influenced by whether Spurs show signs that they can get out of their current relegation mess.

The unthinkable finally became reality for Tottenham Hotspur last week. A 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light, combined with West Ham’s emphatic 4-0 win over Wolves, dragged Spurs into the relegation zone for the first time since 2009. They could have climbed as high as 15th with a win, but instead sit 18th, two points adrift of safety.

It gets worse. Tottenham remain the only side in the division without a win since the turn of the calendar year, and there has been very little to suggest a team ready for a proper relegation scrap. That said, the Sunderland defeat was not without controversy. On another day, the hosts might have been reduced to ten men, and Spurs may well have taken all three points.

Brighton arrive in North London in a very different mood. Fabian Hurzeler’s side are on a three game winning run, most recently beating Burnley 2-0. Their only defeat in the last six came against league leaders Arsenal, with the other five ending in victory. Sitting 11th and just a point off the European places, their objective is clear in what has become a fiercely competitive middle pack.

What time does Tottenham vs Brighton kick off?

Location: London, England

Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Date: Saturday, 18th April 2026

Kick-off Time: 2 pm BST

Referee: Stuart Atwell

VAR: Jarred Gillett

Tottenham vs Brighton: Head to head record

Tottenham are winless in their last three meetings against Brighton, drawing one, which came in the reverse fixture, and losing the other two.

MORE SPURS STORIES

However, over a wider sample of 20 matches, Spurs still hold the advantage with 12 wins and two draws. Their home record is even stronger, with eight wins from the last ten meetings in all competitions.

Tottenham team news

Spurs were dealt a major blow against Sunderland as captain Cristian Romero suffered a knee injury following a collision with Antonin Kinsky, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Other absentees include Ben Davies, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Guglielmo Vicario, Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert.

There is some positive news, though. Rodrigo Bentancur has returned to training after his hamstring injury sustained in January, and Roberto De Zerbi is expected to provide clarity on his availability in his pre-match press conference.

Brighton team news

Brighton’s only absentees are Adam Webster and Stefanos Tzimas, leaving Fabian Hurzeler with an otherwise fully fit squad to choose from.

Predicted line-ups

Tottenham: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bergvall, Gray; Tel, Richarlison, Simons

Brighton: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Boscagli, Kadioglu; Ayari, Gross, Baleba; Hinshelwood, Minteh, Welbeck

Our prediction

There are no more hiding places for Tottenham now. Relegation is no longer a distant threat, it is a very real possibility.

Keep an eye on Xavi Simons. Interestingly, he has started in 11 of Tottenham’s 12 wins in all competitions since arriving, yet continues to be rotated far more than expected, especially with players like Conor Gallagher and Joao Palhinha struggling for consistency.

For Brighton, Danny Welbeck remains a key figure. He is pushing for a place in England’s World Cup squad, and his work rate, pressing, and movement will test Tottenham’s back line.

Spurs are going to insist on playing out from the back, that is just how De Zerbi sets up, but against a Brighton side that loves to press and force mistakes, that could either look brave or completely backfire if they are not sharp on the ball.

De Zerbi fairly knows this Brighton side inside out, and that familiarity might just give Spurs the edge in what feels like a must-win fixture.