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James Maddison was ready to go on social media immediately after Tottenham Hotspur confirmed the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi.

De Zerbi arrives at Hotspur Way with the Lilywhites in severe danger of relegation from the Premier League, only one point above the bottom three.

Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor have now both failed to get the best out of this Tottenham squad, who will be pushed to their limits by the Italian.

Maddison is currently nearing the end of his ACL recovery after missing the entire season so far, but he isn’t expected to return soon.

De Zerbi, however, will have seven games to save Tottenham’s season.

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James Maddison likes Instagram announcement of Roberto De Zerbi

With Tottenham only having the Premier League left to play, they have been blessed with an extra spare gameweek to sort out their mess.

West Ham and Leeds take on each other in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday before returning to the relegation battle, something Spurs can fully concentrate on.

First up for De Zerbi is Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on 12 April, which is a daunting task for this weak-minded Spurs squad right now.

Tottenham confirmed his appointment late on Tuesday, revealing that a work permit is still required before he can get stuck in at Hotspur Way.

Maddison liked the post within three minutes, showing his immediate support.

What is the latest with James Maddison’s injury?

There is an outside possibility that Maddison could still return this season, but he likely won’t be risked if De Zerbi can turn things around in the Premier League.

Maddison has posted regular updates on his recovery on YouTube, with the latest footage showing him going through the motions in the gym and even back on the grass.

De Zerbi loves to play with a central playmaker on his side, something that will likely go to Xavi Simons in the final seven games of the season.

With 16 goal involvements last season in another torrid year, it’s clear that Spurs could desperately need his creativity, with nobody filling that void.

Let’s hope that with De Zerbi’s influence, those in the final third can step up and fire Tottenham to safety.

Roberto De Zerbi will begin his Tottenham Hotspur reign with a trip to Sunderland on Sunday.

The Lilywhites have frantically searched for a new head coach since the unsurprising departure of Igor Tudor.

After a shocking spell in charge for the Croatian, he needed replacing, and it had seemed as if a name with experience of Spurs would be selected.

Instead, the N17 hierarchy have moved to bring the Italian in with just seven Premier League games remaining to save his new side.

De Zerbi looks set to pen his contract with Tottenham, with an away day at the Stadium of Light in the pipeline.

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Roberto De Zerbi set to sign five-year deal at Tottenham

It’s safe to say the Italian has divided opinion in North London, as his appointment has become increasingly likely with each passing day.

He has had mixed reports at former sides like Marseille and Brighton, but certainly has experience at the top level.

The board at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have done their most to convince the 46-year-old of a return to the Premier League.

That didn’t work earlier in the season, but whatever they have done has paid off with De Zerbi now set to complete his move to N17.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday that the Lilywhites have struck an agreement with the Italian to become their new head coach with immediate effect.

He has accepted a move to North London and is now set to sign a five-year deal before taking charge of Spurs instantly.

His maiden voyage will come as Tottenham travel to face Sunderland in the Premier League after the international break and easter break.

De Zerbi has never faced Sunderland as a manager

The head coach has been a manager since 2014, and his best career opponents have been Italian outfits Lecce and Genoa.

In English football, his three wins against Wolves are his most, while against Spurs, he has won one but has lost three.

De Zerbi has faced a vast number of different teams across England, France and Italy, but one side he has never faced is Sunderland.

The Black Cats were in the Championship during his last Premier League reign with Brighton, and now look set to mark his first outing as the Lilywhites’ boss.

The new gaffer may be helped by Spurs’ recent record of 10 wins and five draws in their last 15 league outings against Sunderland.

It may be a career first for De Zerbi against the Mackems, but history is certainly on his side at the Stadium of Light.

Tottenham Hotspur youngster Mason Melia is set to finally make his first-team debut.

According to football.london, the 18-year-old recently returned to full training, setting him on the path to his belated maiden appearance since joining from Irish side St Patrick’s Athletic.

Melia arrived in February 2025 with a blossoming reputation, and the initial £1.6million figure – which could double through add-ons in the future – represented their faith in his abilities.

Indeed, Spurs were able to beat off fierce competition from numerous other elite clubs to land him on a long-term deal, although they were also forced to navigate red tape.

Ahead of Melia’s senior introduction, Tottenham News has looked at his contract situation…

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What is Mason Melia’s contract situation at Tottenham?

Melia put pen to paper on a contract running until 2031, with a view to quickly integrating him into the first-team at Hotspur Way. However, he was then made to wait.

Firstly, he was not permitted by EU law to join Tottenham until he had turned 18, which delayed proceedings until January this year, when the deal was quickly rubber-stamped.

This was despite him playing almost 100 senior matches before his move to the Premier League. In fact, Melia had also gained experience in the Europa League with St Patrick’s.

To date, he has registered 33 goal contributions, totalling 25 goals and eight assists.

According to Sofascore, he missed 16 big chances in his 35 League of Ireland Premier Division appearances, meaning his already-impressive tally could have been even higher.

In light of his long-term contract and price tag, Tottenham clearly view Melia as a player both for now and the future. It would, therefore, take an almighty offer for them to consider a sale.

Melia could have played during Spurs’ relegation fight, but that prospect is now unlikely.

When will Melia make his Tottenham debut?

Melia’s introduction at Spurs was also delayed by a back injury he had been nursing at St Patrick’s, with his new club deciding to give him time to allow the issue to fully heal.

But he was also struck down by an untimely chest infection, which further delayed his recovery. Finally, though, he is fit and raring to go, with a first-team debut likely next year.

It is not out of the question that he makes his maiden appearance in Spurs’ Under-21s Premier League 2 match against West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

If he does, the club’s next manager would do well to keep a very close eye on him.

Tottenham Hotspur have had their accounts published for up to 30 June 2025, and despite an increase in revenue, a rise in debt is surely concerning for ENIC.

The Lilywhites have seen their total revenue and extra income for the period increase to £565.3million, a seven per cent increase on the previous accounts.

Revenue last time out was at £528.2m, so on paper it seems like a good increase, but that’s not entirely the case.

ENIC have seen the club lose £94.7m for the year, a whopping £68.5m surge in what is really, a short space of time.

Spurs now see their overall debt at £831.2m, an increase on what was previously £772.5m, something that only seems to be going in one direction.

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ENIC have had financial trouble since being at the club, and things only seem to be getting worse, despite an increase in revenue.

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£68.5m losses explained; where ENIC have gone wrong

A £68.5m increase on yearly losses is simply not sustainable, and Tottenham’s debt just seems to be climbing.

There are several reasons as to why this has happened, but one of the main factors will be the cost of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a move which is ageing like milk right now.

Lots of the debt is from the loans that Spurs have taken out in recent years, but other factors like wages and transfer amortisation are also having a negative effect, with a reported net spend of £158.95m last summer.

An overall increase in revenue does highlight an improve on matchday sales, broadcasting income, and other commercial deals.

However, the yearly losses are not sustainable for ENIC.

Alasdair Gold broke down Spurs’ published accounts on X, and it shows the underlying issues that the Lilywhites currently have.

How ENIC can control yearly debt increase

Tottenham’s £800m plus debt looks overwhelming right now, and the Lewis family have a big job on their hands in bringing it all the way down.

It’s not going to take one magic fix, and different departments need to see improvement for a gradual decrease in the debt.

Ironically, player wages will have one of the biggest effects on this, despite Spurs still being stuck with a salary cap that Daniel Levy introduced.

ENIC may also need to look at refinancing the debts to spread payments out, but this may be irreversible.

Another big factor to help pay these debts off are success in the Champions League, but despite being knocked out, Spurs should see a healthy payment by UEFA for their journey this season.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi, with multiple players now ready to up their game for the run-in.

The Lilywhites have reportedly agreed a deal in principle with the former Brighton boss to succeed Igor Tudor, according to Ben Jacobs, this Tuesday.

Spurs made the Italian their top target, and with just seven Premier League games to go, and the club one point away from the relegation zone, he has a major job to do.

The 46-year-old only just left Marseille in February, but is seen by the Lewis family as someone who can stay with Tottenham in the long-term.

De Zerbi could join on a five-year deal, as Tottenham News takes a look at the three outstanding players who could make the difference from now until the end of the season.

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Richarlison and Micky van de Ven ready to write their Spurs story

Richarlison has been stepping up for Spurs in recent game, and has three goal contributions in his last five matches for the club.

Micky van de Ven has been one of Tottenham’s most consistent performers all season, and there’s no doubt he will get a regular spot under De Zerbi.

As highlighted in the table above, Sofascore has given Richarlison a 6.88 rating for the season so far, with van de Ven currently on 6.71.

Despite obvious defensive issues, van de Ven has still made 181 defensive contributions and wins the majority of his duels at 53.4 per cent.

The centre-back has clearly struggled in recent games, but his underlying data suggests that he could be in for a comeback under De Zerbi.

Richarlison is overperforming his expected goals by 2.86, but also knows his way around a relegation dog fight by getting stuck in at the other end, and has made 66 defensive contributions in the league so far.

He’s only started 15 games in the league, but given he seems to be up to full fitness now, he could have a huge part to play, should De Zerbi sign on the dotted line.

Xavi Simons is Roberto De Zerbi’s wildcard

While Richarlison and van de Ven already have the makings to become a club hero, Xavi Simons is the clear wildcard for De Zerbi.

It feels like the Dutchman has been underused by both Tudor and Thomas Frank this season, but a maverick is just what the new potential Spurs boss will need to help the club achieve their goal.

Simons has played 1599 minutes in the league and has just five goal involvements to his name, but a chance creation total of 30 suggests he could have many more assists.

Not only that, but the attacking midfielder possesses the ability to complete 1.46 dribbles per game, exactly what Tottenham will need to break down defences in the last seven games.

De Zerbi had a 57 per cent win ratio with Marseille, and if he can bring that to N17 while unlocking this trio, Spurs may stay up after all.

Roberto De Zerbi could be set to become Ange Postecoglou 2.0 at Tottenham Hotspur when it comes to his style of play.

The outspoken Italian is reportedly set to be confirmed as Spurs boss following the departure of Igor Tudor on Sunday.

De Zerbi left Marseille earlier this year and now poised for a return to the Premier League, having previously guided Brighton to Europa League qualification in 2023.

Across his managerial career, the 46-year-old has built a reputation not only for his systematic approach, but also for his forthright and, at times, confrontational nature – something that has contributed to previous departures.

That has not gone unnoticed among the Tottenham fanbase. Concerns over his off-field stance, including his handling of the situation involving Mason Greenwood in France, have led to mixed reactions. On the pitch, though, his approach remains beyond doubt.

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Roberto De Zerbi and Ange Postecoglou’s Premier League record

Stylistically, De Zerbi and Postecoglou are the closest match when the recent appointments of Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor are considered.

After an extremely poor season, higher-ups within the club will be looking to replicate the football put on show by the Australian during his first season at the helm, with the incoming Italian maintaining one of the Premier League’s most distinctive tactical identities during his time on the South Coast.

Replacing Graham Potter at the Amex in 2022, De Zerbi took the league by storm with his style of play, with the Seagulls playing some of the best football in the Premier League, earning a European spot as a just reward at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

With his time in the league also overlapping with Postecoglou’s Tottenham stint, De Zerbi echoed statements similar to the popular Aussie when discussing his football ideas – echoing those made by the then-Lilywhites boss.

“Tottenham are a very good team with a clear idea of how they want to play,” De Zerbi previously said. “I like teams that are brave with the ball… that want to dominate.”

Brighton would end the 2022-23 season in sixth, having scored 72 league goals – only bettered by Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Though, for all the temptation of returning to the free flowing football seen during Postecoglou’s early days, it cannot be ignored that the pair could not be more different as people.

Tottenham risk returning to square one with Roberto De Zerbi appointment

For all the stylistic appeal, the bigger concern for Spurs is whether appointing the Italian would simply reset the cycle that they have been stuck in for years.

His track record shows a coach capable of delivering an immediate impact, but the fact that his longest tenure of three years came half a decade ago at Sassuolo is a big red flag.

Throughout his time at Brighton and Marseille, he had a big tendency to throw his toys out of the pram when things did not quite go his way, bringing down members of the squad with him as he practically talked his way out of his most recent job in France.

As a club, Spurs have jumped from one project to another since the departure of Mauricio Pochettino in 2019, and it feels that once again, there is no real long term value to an appointment.

De Zerbi’s rather confrontational and combustible style, combined with a hierarchy that has shown instability for far too long, is simply a recipe for disaster.

The temptation is there to move for ‘Postecoglou 2.0’, but that would come in style of play only. He would improve Spurs in the short-term – his football is brave, and he won’t stand for low standards.

But the club could once again, simply find themselves back at square one moving forward.

Tottenham Hotspur are having to wait to snap up Roberto De Zerbi, while Chris Hughton’s odds of taking over have shortened.

Igor Tudor left his role as Tottenham’s interim head coach on Sunday after just 44 days in the job.

The Croatian was appointed following Thomas Frank’s sacking in February but he was at the helm for a mere seven matches.

This came a week after a damaging 3-0 loss to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest on 22 March, a result that left Tottenham 17th in the Premier League.

Former Tottenham player Hughton has been among the reported candidates to take over at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but De Zerbi’s appointment could yet come to fruition.

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Chris Hughton considered the bookies’ favourite for Tottenham job

While Tottenham tries to appoint a new manager before the Premier League resumes in the next fortnight, Tudor’s assistant, Bruno Saltor, is overseeing training for those at the club.

Tudor picked up just one point from five league games in charge, as Tottenham sit just one point above the relegation zone.

Talk has since turned to who will replace Tudor, with Tottenham greats such as Harry Redknapp, Tim Sherwood, Glenn Hoddle, and more linked with the job.

The likes of Sean Dyche, Ryan Mason and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, among others, are also mooted candidates but they are all behind a certain man in the running, according to the bookies.

And one leading bookmaker shortened the odds of Hughton, who managed the Seagulls between 2014-19, on Tuesday morning as he emerged as the favourite – ahead of even De Zerbi.

In fact, former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic was second on the list, whereas former Marseille head coach De Zerbi was third.

Would it be wise for Tottenham to hire De Zerbi?

De Zerbi worked wonders at Brighton between 2022-24 but the Italian is often described as a combustible manager.

While he insisted relations with owner Tony Bloom were cordial, the two parted ways due to a difference of opinion on transfer policies.

Roy Keane often says it is even more important to manage upwards than downwards when in management and it remains to be seen if De Zerbi would work well with Tottenham’s owners.

Mauricio Pochettino was a top Tottenham candidate but Spurs need to stay in the Premier League this season, and cannot afford to wait until after the World Cup when his United States post ends.

De Zerbi was winless in his first five games in charge at Brighton before leading them to a historic first campaign in Europe.

But if he repeats that at Tottenham, they are most likely to get relegated. The Italian wanted to take over in the summer but it seems Spurs are inching closer to signing him before then.

The stakes could not be higher as the Premier League run-in takes shape.

Tottenham Hotspur look set to hire Roberto De Zerbi in the coming days, and Sunderland should be worried.

Spurs are understood to be close to completing a five-year contract to hire the Italian as their new boss, in an attempt to preserve their Premier League status.

The ex-Brighton man’s first game in charge will be against the Wearsiders on 12 April, and it will be a crucial clash for the North London club.

Tottenham need De Zerbi to hit the ground running, with just seven league matches left, and history suggests that he can do just that.

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Why De Zerbi’s previous should worry Sunderland

De Zerbi’s first match as Brighton boss should provide Tottenham fans with encouragement and leave Sunderland scared, as his side produced a stunning 3-3 draw against Liverpool in October 2022.

In that game, his side managed 46 per cent of the possession, and created 1.37 expected goals to the Reds’ figure of 1.47, per Sofascore.

They created six big chances to the Anfield outfit’s five, showing the attacking intent that De Zerbi brought.

His side completed 460 passes to the hosts’ 540, which suggests that they were firmly in the game, rather than being outplayed by Jurgen Klopp’s team.

Brighton won 51 per cent of the duels in the contest, with the Reds winning just 49 per cent, and made 23 tackles, compared to 14 for the opposition.

They also made 14 interceptions, as opposed to just nine for the hosts, meaning that they were constantly trying to win the ball back.

Why Tottenham fans should be backing De Zerbi

If he can have the same impact on the Lilywhites, coming in and making the team score lots of goals and fight for the ball, Spurs fans will believe that he is the man to keep them up.

The opposition for his first potential game in charge is not as reputable as the 20-time Premier League champions, but it is a Black Cats side that have been formidable at home this season.

He will have an ample amount of time to drill his ideas into the players if he is appointed this week, and if he can repeat his previous exploits, it will concern Regis Le Bris’ side.

He need supporters to back him unconditionally to turn their fortunes around in the final few weeks of the season.

Mohammed Kudus’ return from injury is not too far away, with Roberto De Zerbi looking to be named Tottenham Hotspur manager before then.

The Ghanaian winger has been out of action since the start of 2026 with a hamstring injury keeping him out for three months.

After the international break, it is expected that the 25-year-old could be back in time to make the squad to face Sunderland on 12 April.

It would be a welcomed boost for whoever is in the dugout, with De Zerbi looking likely to be that man.

Kudus’ injury was a big blow for Tottenham, but once he returns, the potential arrival of the Italian manager could take him to the next level.

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Why Mohammed Kudus is primed to do well under Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham

Kudus could play a significant role in keeping Tottenham in the Premier League, as De Zerbi typically puts a lot of focus into his wide players.

De Zerbi is the current frontrunner for the Spurs job after the N17 outfit sent over an appealing contract offer.

As shown by the table above, the wingers under the Italian can get quite involved in terms of goals and assists.

Despite being out injured for three months, Kudus still remains as Spurs’ top assister in the Premier League with five.

Additionally, only Richarlison remains above the Ghana international in combined goals and assists. The Brazilian has notched 12 compared to seven by Kudus.

The return of the former West Ham star will excite fans, too. At the moment, there are few players that show bravery on the ball.

Kudus attempts twice as many dribbles than anyone else in Spurs’ squad, showcasing his willingness to get the ball up the pitch.

The winger attempts 2.7 dribbles per match with a 51 per cent success rate, as per Sofascore.

Overall, combined with Kudus’ quality already and De Zerbi’s history with wingers in the Premier League, the 25-year-old could be about to hit the next level in N17.

What is the latest on Kudus’ return?

The last update provided on Kudus came from departed manager Igor Tudor, who admitted Kudus may already be back doing work on the ball with the squad.

On 20 March, he stated: “I don’t know, probably some part of the things with the squad, maybe 10 days. I don’t know, I’m not sure, we need to check, but he’s progressing very well – already with the ball.”

Of course, we have yet to hear anything since but hopefully everything has gone to plan throughout this final phase of his recovery.

With the relegation battle continuing to heat up, Spurs will need as many of their talisman back fit as possible. Kudus could have a big part to play.

Tottenham Hotspur do not look like they will be bringing Mauricio Pochettino back as their new manager.

Speculation was rife that the Argentine was in line for a stunning comeback to North London, six-and-a-half years after he was sacked.

However, Roberto De Zerbi looks as though he will be appointed as the new manager at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham have made progress over a five-year contract with the former Brighton man, with a frustration emerging over a potential Pochettino return.

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What is Tottenham’s frustration with Pochettino?

John Wenham believes that Tottenham are not willing to wait for Pochettino, as he is committed to his role with the United States, and that could drag on in the World Cup.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, the Spurs expert said: “I don’t know this for a fact, but there may be a frustration that he won’t sort of give in the USA job now and come and manage Tottenham immediately.

“I don’t know if they’ve approached him or not, but I just wonder if that’s part of it, they’re thinking to themselves, we need somebody now that’s going to save us.

“Unfortunately, the way the job market is, only offering it for seven games in the hope that Pochettino’s coming back in the summer will not be enough to entice people.

So maybe they need to offer something in the long term, they may also be concerned with Pochettino, that, the World Cup is going to go on into July, and Tottenham really need to hit the ground running in pre-season, regardless of what division they’re in.

“There needs to be a mass overhaul of the playing squad, and they need a manager in place to do that, so that might also be coming into their thinking.

“But if I had my way, I still think Pochettino would be the best choice and to wait for him, but it seems like the club are moving on to other ideas now.”

Why Tottenham fans still dream of Pochettino return

Pochettino built one of the best teams that Lilywhites supporters have ever seen, especially in the modern era.

He took the N17 club to the brink of Champions League success, with the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Hugo Lloris.

He is still beloved by the fanbase, and his comeback would have lifted spirits for the supporters and been an easy win for those in charge, without a ball even being kicked.

However, it appears that supporters waiting for a return will be waiting for a considerable while after the latest developments.