AliousRoberto De Zerbi has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next Tottenham Hotspur manager following the dismissal of Igor Tudor on Sunday.
Tudor’s spell came to an abrupt end after just seven matches in charge across all competitions, during which he failed to secure a single Premier League victory.
With only seven fixtures left to steer the club away from relegation danger, Spurs are keen to appoint De Zerbi immediately—despite his initial preference to wait until the summer before taking on a new role.
To persuade him, the club are prepared to table a lucrative five-year contract, alongside promises of a revamped wage structure and a stronger focus on high-profile signings, provided they maintain their top-flight status.
De Zerbi has long been admired in north London, largely due to the attacking, high-intensity style he implemented during his time at Brighton & Hove Albion. However, he would face an immediate challenge, with limited preparation time ahead of a crucial clash against Sunderland, especially with several players still away on international duty.
The Italian has been without a club since leaving Olympique de Marseille earlier this year. While concerns over his past disagreements with club officials have been noted, Spurs believe his strengths outweigh any potential risks.
The club have opted against pursuing a sentimental “club legend” appointment, despite speculation linking former boss Harry Redknapp and ex-striker Jermain Defoe, who has since taken a role at Woking.
Competition for De Zerbi’s signature has eased, particularly as he is no longer in contention for the permanent role at Manchester United. Even so, he remains in a strong negotiating position, with Spurs already cycling through four managers in less than a year and eager to make a swift appointment.
De Zerbi is understood to be interested in the project, though the timing of his arrival remains the key factor. Those close to him suggest he is open to stepping into a difficult situation and has been encouraged by the club’s long-term vision.
Meanwhile, Spurs continue their search for a second sporting director to work alongside Johan Lange, after setbacks in their pursuit of Dougie Freedman and Tiago Pinto.
Tudor’s departure has forced a rapid reassessment behind the scenes. Initially seen as a short-term solution following Thomas Frank’s exit, the club must now accelerate plans for a longer-term appointment. Figures such as Mauricio Pochettino, Andoni Iraola, and Marco Silva remain admired but are currently unavailable.
Despite the difficult situation, there is cautious optimism within the club that the return of several key players in April could help spark a turnaround and lift Tottenham out of trouble.
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