De Zerbi in advanced talks to become Spurs manager

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly moving closer to appointing a new head coach, with advanced discussions underway with Roberto De Zerbi. Sources suggest that the former Brighton and Marseille boss is now open to taking charge immediately, marking a shift from his earlier stance of waiting until the end of the current season.

Initially, De Zerbi had indicated that he would prefer to step into a new managerial role once the campaign concluded. However, with Tottenham’s situation becoming increasingly urgent, both parties appear keen to finalize an agreement sooner rather than later. Negotiations are said to be progressing positively, with indications pointing toward a potential long-term deal being offered to the 46-year-old Italian.

De Zerbi has been available since parting ways with Olympique de Marseille in February. His experience in European football, coupled with his attacking philosophy, makes him an attractive candidate for a Spurs side in need of direction and stability.

Tottenham’s current position in the Premier League table has heightened the urgency of the situation. The club sits in 17th place, just one point above the relegation zone, and has yet to register a league victory in 2026. This alarming run of form has placed immense pressure on the club’s hierarchy to act swiftly and decisively.

The departure of interim head coach Igor Tudor has further complicated matters. Tudor’s tenure lasted only 44 days, ending by mutual consent. While Tottenham had reportedly decided to move on from him following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, the club delayed the announcement out of respect, allowing him time to grieve the recent loss of his father.

The responsibility of appointing a new manager now falls to chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange. Both are under pressure to ensure that the next appointment provides both immediate results and long-term stability.

Despite the apparent progress in talks with De Zerbi, not all sections of the Tottenham fanbase are in favor of his appointment. Several supporters’ groups have voiced concerns, particularly regarding his public support for Mason Greenwood during their time together at Marseille.

Greenwood joined Marseille in 2023 after leaving Manchester United, following the dropping of serious charges against him, including attempted rape and assault. During his tenure in France, De Zerbi described Greenwood as a “good person” who had endured significant hardship due to past events.

These comments have drawn criticism from some Tottenham supporters, including Proud Lilywhites, the club’s official LGBTQ+ fans’ group. They expressed concern that such statements could send the wrong message, particularly given the seriousness of the allegations Greenwood had faced. For them, the issue is not just about footballing credentials but also about the values and principles represented by the club’s leadership.

As Tottenham weigh their options, other managerial candidates have also been considered. Sean Dyche is one such name, known for his ability to stabilize teams and guide them away from relegation. Dyche, who became available after leaving Nottingham Forest earlier this year, could offer a pragmatic, short-term solution to Spurs’ current struggles.

However, negotiations with Dyche could prove challenging. It is understood that he would require a contract of at least 18 months, which may not align with Tottenham’s preference for a more flexible arrangement. This potential mismatch in expectations could hinder any deal from being finalized.

Another name that continues to resonate with supporters is Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine enjoyed a successful spell at Tottenham in the past, leading the club to a Champions League final and consistently strong league performances. Many fans view him as an ideal candidate to restore the club’s identity and competitiveness.

However, Pochettino’s current role as head coach of the United States national team complicates any immediate return. With international commitments, including the upcoming World Cup, it would be extremely difficult for him to take over at Tottenham in the short term.

In the meantime, several individuals with strong ties to the club have been mentioned as potential interim options. Former players and coaches such as Ryan Mason, Harry Redknapp, and Tim Sherwood are reportedly open to stepping in on a temporary basis until a permanent appointment is made.

Interestingly, even current squad member Ben Davies has been considered as a short-term solution, highlighting the club’s willingness to explore unconventional options in a time of crisis.

Additionally, former Spurs figures such as Glenn Hoddle and Chris Hughton have also been linked with interim roles. Their familiarity with the club’s culture and history could provide a sense of continuity during a turbulent period.

Another potential candidate, Adi Hutter, had been mentioned in discussions. However, he has effectively ruled himself out of contention. Following his departure from Monaco in October 2025, Hutter stated that he does not intend to return to management until the start of the next season, a stance he has reaffirmed.

Tottenham’s current predicament underscores the challenges faced by clubs operating under intense pressure in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. With relegation fears looming, the importance of making the right managerial appointment cannot be overstated.

De Zerbi’s attacking style and tactical acumen could inject fresh energy into the team, but his potential appointment is not without controversy. Balancing fan sentiment with the need for immediate improvement will be a delicate task for the club’s leadership.

Ultimately, the coming days will be crucial as Tottenham aim to finalize their decision. Whether they opt for De Zerbi or another candidate, the priority remains clear: stabilizing the team, improving performances, and securing their place in the Premier League.