Roberto De Zerbi is anticipated to deliver his verdict to Tottenham later today regarding whether he will accept the head coach position with immediate effect, reports BritPanorama.
The 44-year-old Italian, who previously managed Brighton & Hove Albion, has emerged as Spurs’ preferred candidate following discussions held earlier this month.
Tottenham have put forward a five-year contract to the former Marseille boss, although negotiations remain ongoing. Until now, De Zerbi has maintained his preference to delay any new appointment until the summer months.
However, the north London club is pressing hard for their top target to begin work straight away as they battle against the drop. The urgency stems from Tottenham’s dire predicament in the Premier League standings, with the team currently sitting just a single point clear of the relegation zone and only seven matches left to play this season.
The club has failed to secure a victory in their last 13 fixtures, a run that has plunged them into a survival battle. Igor Tudor’s brief spell in charge proved catastrophic, lasting merely 44 days before his departure. De Zerbi has expressed a desire to return to English football since leaving the French club earlier this year and has always been receptive to managing Tottenham.
The ex-Brighton manager has firmly resisted taking the reins immediately, though discussions on Sunday evening proved more encouraging. Negotiations are set to continue today, although they have primarily focused on a summer switch rather than an instant appointment. Complicating matters, De Zerbi is reluctant to manage in the second tier, therefore raising the prospect of including an exit clause should Spurs suffer relegation.
This creates an awkward situation regarding the optics of such an arrangement – whether the deal represents a genuine five-year commitment or effectively just a seven-game trial period, and what that signals about the manager’s dedication to the club. Should De Zerbi decline the immediate offer, Sean Dyche remains a potential option for the remainder of the campaign.
The financial aspects of bringing in Dyche are complicated, however, given that Nottingham Forest continues paying his wages following his dismissal in February after just 114 days at the City Ground. Spurs would only offer Dyche a short-term arrangement until the end of the season.
Adi Hütter has withdrawn from consideration, stating: “I would prefer not to work as a head coach again until the start of the new season at the earliest.” If De Zerbi cannot be convinced, Tottenham may turn to figures with club connections, with Harry Redknapp, Tim Sherwood, Glenn Hoddle, and Ryan Mason all potential candidates.
In the world of football, the clock is always ticking, and for a club like Tottenham, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The imminent decision will not just shape their immediate future, but could set the tone for the next chapter in the club’s storied history.
