Spurs Web

Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to appoint Roberto De Zerbi has raised eyebrows across the league, with rival clubs already forming strong early opinions on the move.

Tottenham Hotspur are far from safe in the Premier League this season, with the possibility of relegation to the Championship still very high.

However, while many would have expected the club to turn to a pragmatic relegation specialist in this situation, Spurs instead opted for something different.

The Lilywhites, with the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi, look to be trying to attack their way out of danger, given the Italian’s expansive style of football.

It remains to be seen if De Zerbi sticks to all of his principles, with the new Spurs boss already stating that it will be difficult for him to implement all of his tactics at the moment.

Tottenham appointment reaction: Miguel Delaney reveals rival club views on Roberto De Zerbi

Miguel Delaney, in his newsletter, has now revealed what other clubs think about Spurs’ appointment of Roberto De Zerbi.

Securing the signature of the 46-year-old manager did not come easily, with Tottenham offering a significant contract to De Zerbi, said to be in close to the same bracket as both Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Detailing the reaction from across the league, including surprise and even shock from some rivals, Delaney wrote in The Independent’s Inside Football newsletter:

“The primary reaction from other clubs to Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment at Tottenham Hotspur has been surprise – and, in the case of one rival, ‘shock’.

“It is not a question of the Italian’s ability; everyone knows he is a good coach. The surprise stems more from placing someone with such strong ideological tendencies into this specific situation.

“A Spurs squad with a lot of ‘football scar tissue,’ as one source put it, will have to learn yet another way of playing – and in a newly pressurised environment.

“It is not like Brighton in 2022, where a settled squad had been primed for an evolution under De Zerbi. The flip side, however, is that he is surely capable of getting the two wins Spurs need.”

Spurs outlook under Roberto De Zerbi amid relegation battle

Of course, while De Zerbi is walking into an entirely different environment from the one he entered in 2022 at Brighton, the new Spurs boss does come with more experience.

Not only does he have experience in Europe, but he also has experience in the Premier League, and that could make a difference in Tottenham’s seven remaining games.

De Zerbi has since opened up on how he sees the remaining fixtures, revealing that he is not looking too far ahead but will instead take it one game at a time.

Tottenham can afford such an approach, having been knocked out of all competitions this season, and with significant time between league games, De Zerbi will have more opportunity to implement his style, similar to his time at Brighton.

Former Tottenham Hotspur starlet, Troy Parrott, could be set for a return to the Premier League to play in white, but not in a Spurs shirt.

This summer window promises to be a very interesting one for Tottenham, provided they stay in the Premier League.

Reports indicate that Spurs are ready to fund a major squad rebuild in the summer after two back-to-back poor campaigns domestically.

Additionally, Roberto De Zerbi is expected to have a major say on Tottenham’s summer targets as the Italian looks to put his own imprint on the squad.

Tottenham academy graduate Troy Parrott could be on his way to Leeds

It was reported ahead of the January window that Spurs were considering paying £30m to re-sign Troy Parrott, who they sold for just £6.7m to AZ Alkmaar two years ago.

The centre-forward has come of age in the Netherlands, having found the back of the net 28 times for AZ this term, to go along with his 10 assists.

According to CaughtOffside, Parrott’s impressive displays in the Eredivisie have caught the attention of Leeds, who are looking to improve their attack this summer.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The outlet claims that if Daniel Farke’s men stay in the Premier League, they could look to secure the Irishman to share the goalscoring burden with Dominic Calvert-Lewin next season.

Spurs may be boosted financially by Parrott’s summer move

Leeds are not the only ones interested in the striker, with reports indicating that AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund are also considering a move for Parrott.

Tottenham have a 20 per cent sell-on clause on the centre-forward, which means that they stand to gain financially if the player makes a move this summer.

Jamie O’Hara has outlined what he believes Roberto De Zerbi must address immediately at Tottenham Hotspur in order to avoid relegation.

Roberto De Zerbi faces a significant task as he steps into the Tottenham Hotspur dugout during a turbulent period for the north London club, with the north London club battling to retain their Premier League status this season.

It is clear that his appointment is not for the short term, but the long term is firmly in mind, with Tottenham handing him a lucrative five-year deal.

De Zerbi, however, will be hoping that most of his time in north London will be in the Premier League, making this season’s relegation battle all the more crucial.

There is no time to waste, and the former Brighton manager has begun work with his Tottenham squad ahead of their first of seven finals this season.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi: Jamie O’Hara outlines key priorities

Jamie O’Hara, who urged Spurs to splash the cash to bring Roberto De Zerbi to the club, has now opened up on three things the new Tottenham manager must do.

He began by stressing the need for clarity in system and consistency in selection, particularly after frequent changes under Igor Tudor, as he told Sky Sports:

MORE SPURS STORIES

“He’s got to do things quickly, and I think first and foremost as a manager, he’s got to come in, get the formation right, stick to a formation, do not change it.

“I will do 4-2-3-1, so that will be my first thing. Do not change the formation, there have been too many times, Igor Tudor 3-4-3, 4-4-2, you know, all over the place. Players confused, do not know what they are doing. So that would be the first thing.”

He then pointed to the need to get the best out of Xavi Simons, who has struggled for consistency since his big-money move to Tottenham in the summer window.

Simons’ poor form this campaign has drawn criticism from Dutch legends, who believe he has been underwhelming and must step up as he progresses in his career.

O’Hara now believes De Zerbi must focus on unlocking the Dutchman’s quality, adding: “Get the best out of Xavi Simons, you spent 60 million pounds on him, he’s a top player, he can play, he can make the difference, he’s someone who will rise to the occasion if you give him the confidence to do it.”

Spurs leadership group key for Roberto De Zerbi impact

O’Hara also highlighted the importance of strong leadership within the squad, urging De Zerbi to quickly get senior players on side.

Explaining his final point about the Tottenham leadership group and their role in driving standards, he said:

“And then the third thing I will do is get hold of the leadership group. Whoever that is, whether it’s Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, the guys in there, the experienced players, the internationals, get them on side early and say are you up for the fight, are you in this, I need you onside because we have seen too many times the players have capitulated like against Nottingham Forest, heads go down.

“You’ve got to give them belief, give them the confidence to go out there and know that they are good players because some of them are top players.”

A centre-back who has been on Tottenham’s radar for a long time has a £47m release clause in his contract, which becomes active this summer.

Reports indicate that Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero face uncertain futures at Tottenham, with both players attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

One would thus expect the Lilywhites to be on the lookout for potential centre-back replacements this summer, and new boss, Roberto De Zerbi, would undoubtedly have an input on the targets.

One Juventus defender has been on Tottenham’s radar since 2022, and the Lilywhites may finally have a chance to get their man this summer.

Juventus may be powerless to stop Tottenham from signing Gleison Bremer

Gleison Bremer was most recently linked with a move to Spurs ahead of the January window, with an outlet claiming that the Brazilian is viewed as an ‘ideal’ option for the Tottenham Hotspur backline.

A new report in TuttoMercatoWeb has now revealed that while Juve boss Luciano Spalletti considers the left-back to be ‘untouchable’, that is not a feeling shared by the Bianconeri hierarchy.

The outlet claims that the centre-back’s current deal includes a €54m (£47m) release clause which becomes active this summer.

MORE SPURS STORIES

While Spalletti dreams of keeping the 29-year-old and pairing him with another top-class centre-back, the Old Lady would be powerless to stop the player from leaving if the clause is activated this summer.

Spurs are not the favourites to land Bremer

The outlet says that there is a ‘possibility of an offer from the Premier League‘ for the centre-back, which is why the release clause was included in the former Torino man’s contract.

The report adds that it is Liverpool who are showing the ‘first and foremost’ interest, but makes no mention of the Lilywhites.

The outlet adds that Bremer could be viewed as a ‘perfect addition at a reasonable price’ this summer for any top team looking to bolster their backline with experience, thus raising the possibility that the race for his signature could intensify.

Tottenham Hotspur have held long-term interest in a Denmark international, but his club are working to make a summer deal harder for the Lilywhites and the player’s other suitors.

According to various reports, De Zerbi and Tottenham have already held conversations regarding summer transfer targets.

The new Spurs head coach has been given the power to have a major say in the squad building, and one would expect plenty of changes this summer as he looks to put his own imprint on the squad.

A Serie A defender who has been on Tottenham’s radar for well over 12 months could emerge as a target for De Zerbi.

Race for Tottenham target Thomas Kristensen intensifies

Thomas Kristensen was heavily linked with a £14m move to Spurs last year, but the versatile defender ended up staying at Udinese.

His stock has continued to rise this season in light of the centre-back’s impressive performances this term, and TuttoMercatoWeb have revealed that his growth has not gone unnoticed in England.

The outlet claims that Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest made a move for Kristensen last summer, forcing the Italian side to take ‘evasive action’.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Udinese are now worried about losing the defender this summer as the Premier League trio have now been joined in the race by both Juventus and Milan over recent weeks.

The Bianconeri and the Rossneri have made ‘exploratory inquiries’ about the Dane, with both Serie A giants being fans of his ability to play in a back four as well as a back three.

Udinese have a plan to stop Spurs and other suitors from landing Kristensen

TMW see that despite the growing interest in his services, Udinese are eager to keep the 24-year-old at the club.

In fact, the report claims that the Italian club has ‘intensified discussions’ with Kristensen over a new contract, with his current deal expiring in 2028.

Udinese hope to finalise a new deal before the end of this month and are ready to hand him a considerable pay rise in an effort to keep him away from the clutches of the big clubs that are circling over the player.

Tottenham Hotspur have been extremely impressed with how a Brazilian centre-forward has performed of late, but they are not the only Premier League club on the player’s trail.

For more than a decade, Spurs fans had the luxury of watching world-class operators like Harry Kane and Heung-min Son lead the line.

The two legends’ departures, along with the injuries that Tottenham have had this season, have seriously exposed the lack of quality in attack, with the club struggling for goals since the start of the campaign.

That is something Roberto De Zerbi would be keen to fix, and it has emerged that the Lilywhites have now identified a youngster who could add the clinical element that their current options are lacking.

Tottenham battling Liverpool for Brazilian starlet Marcos Leonardo

Sports Boom have now revealed that Tottenham are eyeing a move for Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, who is posting some incredible numbers at Al-Hilal.

Leonardo has scored an impressive 44 goals in 72 appearances for the Saudi Pro League side since his move from Benfica back in 2024.

The report says that Spurs want to ‘permanently close the clinical void left’ by Harry Kane’s departure and have set their sights on the young Brazilian.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Spurs scouts have travelled to Riyadh numerous times this season to run the rule on the striker, and they have concluded that he is ‘100% compatible with Premier League rhythm’.

However, they are not the only Premier League club considering a summer move for the Santos academy graduate.

Leanardo’s ability to play as a number nine as well as a false nine has impressed Liverpool, who see him as the right fit for their fluid frontline.

Spurs will have to break the bank to land Leonardo

Sports Boom say that Al-Hilal head coach Simone Inzaghi sees the striker as a ‘precious diamond’ in the club’s project, and the Saudi club do not want to sell him.

The outlet claims that it would take a staggering offer in the £50m–£55m range even to get Al-Hilal to the negotiating table.

However, the report adds that Leonardo could exert ‘gentle but firm’ pressure to leave, and the Saudi club’s transfer stance may soften if the player submits a transfer request.

Louis Saha has urged his old club Manchester United to poach one of Tottenham Hotspur’s best players this summer.

There is expected to be a mass exodus from Spurs if they go down this season, with several clubs ready to raid the Lilywhites for discount deals in the event of relegation.

However, Tottenham may also be at risk of losing some of their best players if they stay up, given their continued struggles domestically.

Prime among those is a 24-year-old Spurs star, who is allegedly being eyed by many of the European elite.

Louis Saha urges Man United to sign Micky van de Ven from Tottenham

Some sources have suggested that Micky Van de Ven’s head has already been turned ahead of the summer after some clubs reached out to the defender. This includes reported interest from Man United but Spurs are said to want £100m.

Saha has now identified the Netherlands international as the kind of signing that will fix United’s issues at the back.

The Frenchman has told Ozoon about the Red Devils’ summer priority: “We have players in attacking areas and on the wings, defensively we have a lot of options, but Micky van de Ven would be an exciting addition if he is available, he is the calibre of player that can help United to the next level.”

MORE SPURS STORIES

Van de Ven is also on the radar of several other clubs

We have heard over recent weeks that Barcelona are ready to step up their interest in Van de Ven this summer, while some sources have claimed that the Tottenham defender is also on Real Madrid’s shopping list.

We have also seen some outlets suggest that Van de Ven is seen as a ‘very attractive’ option by Liverpool, who are keen to strengthen their backline this summer.

It thus appears that there could be a bidding war developing for the former Wolfsburg man if he does ask to leave N17.

Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson has revealed that there is now a big responsibility on Tottenham’s owners after the club released their latest financial results.

On Monday, Spurs released their financial statement for the year ending June 2025, and it made for some very interesting reading.

Thanks mainly to the club’s Europa League triumph last season, their revenue increased to a record £565.3m, which is a 7 per cent increase from the previous year.

However, Tottenham’s Profit from Operations (EBITDA) decreased to £112.3m, a 22 per cent drop, while the club’s Loss after Tax increased to £94.7m.

Expert claims Tottenham’s owners need to inject more cash into the club

Tottenham’s financials also showed that their net debt as of June 30 of last year was £831.2m, up from £772.5m in 2024.

Stefan Borsen has now explained that the club’s debt is not a pressing issue, given the low interest rate and long-term nature of their borrowings.

However, he pointed out that the club’s accounts do show a clear cash flow problem, explaining that the Lewis family may have to inject more money into Tottenham Hotspur as a result.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Reacting to Spurs’ financial statement, Borsen told Football Insider: “I don’t think the debt itself is going to be the end of the world. It’s a very well packaged facility in that large chunks of it are long-term, low interest rates. If they have covenants, the covenants are manageable.

“Even if they breach those covenants, it’s still manageable. Nobody’s going to ask them to repay the money anyway, so the debt side of things is under control.

“Now, that’s not to say they don’t have some issues with cash. They will have. There will be less cash in the business and they will have to raise money from the shareholders.

“The shareholders will have to put their hand in their pocket to fund the club over this period. I don’t think there’s any question there. But I assume they’re in a position to be able to do that, so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.”

Spurs could lose hundreds of millions in the event of relegation

The former Man City advisor made it clear that relegation from the Premier League will have devastating consequences on the North London club’s balance sheet.

Borson suggested that the Lilywhites would be losing hundreds of millions in revenue if they spent a season in the Championship.

When asked how relegation could affect the club’s bottom line, the finance expert responded: “The bigger issue is just a huge loss of revenue. It’s £200-300m, depending on really two main things. We can model out broadcast revenue fairly precisely. Parachute payment plus EFL money is about £55m, going from what it is this season of about £200m if they were to be relegated. They’d lose £145-150m there.

Roberto De Zerbi has been handed plenty of power at Tottenham Hotspur and will have a major say in a big upcoming decision for the club.

De Zerbi has signed a five-year contract with Spurs without a relegation break clause, which caught many people by surprise.

It is clear that both Tottenham and the Italian view this marriage as a long-term project, even though the former Brighton boss has not tended to stick around for long at clubs across his managerial career.

In fact, De Zerbi has guaranteed that he will be in charge of Spurs next season even if the club are relegated from the Premier League.

Roberto De Zerbi will have a say on who the next Tottenham sporting director is

Over the last few days, some outlets have suggested that De Zerbi will have a broad Sir Alex Ferguson-type managerial role at Spurs.

The Tottenham Hotspur boss is set to be a central figure in the club’s football decisions and will have a major say in squad building.

This information has been backed up by GiveMeSport, who say that De Zerbi has been handed plenty of power away from the playing side of things as part of the new project.

MORE SPURS STORIES

In fact, the outlet asserts that the Italian is set to have a say on who the North London club’s next sporting director is going to be.

It has been an open secret over recent weeks that Tottenham have begun work to replace Fabio Paratici, who departed after the January transfer window, with the Lilywhites keen to continue with their dual sporting director model.

Paul Winstanley and Dougie Freedman have been linked with the Tottenham sporting director role, with both having plenty of experience in English football.

Bayern Munich’s honorary president, Uli Hoeness, has set the record straight on Harry Kane’s future amidst dreams of a Tottenham return.

Tottenham added a first refusal option on their former striker when they sold him to Bayern Munich for £86.4m back in 2023, giving the club the right to match any bids that arrive for the forward.

Reports over the last few months have indicated that Spurs are continuing to dream of bringing Kane back to N17 in a fairytale reunion, but that is not likely to happen anytime soon.

This is because the England captain has already decided that he will be staying at Bayern next season, with his €65m (£56.8m) release clause no longer valid this summer.

Bayern Munich president confirms Tottenham legend Harry Kane’s summer plans

Uli Hoeness has now publicly addressed the speculation over the striker’s future, all but ruling out a summer departure for the player.

He made it clear that the 32-year-old’s release clause had now expired, and revealed that the former Tottenham Hotspur man and his family are very happy in Bavaria.

Hoeness told Kicker about Kane’s future: “He didn’t exercise his release clause, which means he’s definitely under contract here until summer 2027.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“What I’m hearing and feeling is that he and his family feel extremely comfortable here. You never know when a Saudi comes along and puts a lot of money on the table… But he feels very much at home.”

Uli Hoeness reveals how much he thinks Kane is worth

The Bayern president made it clear that the striker would not be allowed to leave for a relative discount, despite his age.

Hoeness suggested that Kane can continue performing at the highest level for many more years and hinted that it would take a record transfer fee to prise him away from the Allianz Arena this summer.

When asked how much he thinks the former Spurs man is worth, the Bayern official said: “I’d say Harry Kane is worth €150m (£130m). But then you see Alexander Isak cost €150m to Liverpool…if Isak is worth €150m, then Harry is worth €250m (£218m).

“Harry Kane can play at this level for at least another three or four years, because he’s a perfect professional who takes care of his body. He’s always at rehab and with the physios.”