Tottenham Hotspur are currently engaged in advanced negotiations with Roberto De Zerbi, with sources indicating the former Brighton manager is now open to taking charge immediately. Earlier reports suggested the Italian coach preferred to wait until the end of the season before accepting a new role. However, Tottenham have intensified their efforts to secure an agreement as soon as possible.
Sources describe the discussions as positive and moving toward a final deal. The club is believed to be preparing a long-term contract offer for the 46-year-old, who has been available since leaving Marseille in February. Tottenham currently sit 17th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, and have yet to secure a league victory in 2026.
The club parted ways with interim head coach Igor Tudor on Sunday after only 44 days in charge. Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange have been tasked with finding a permanent replacement. It is understood that Tottenham decided to dismiss Tudor following last Sunday’s 3–0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. However, the club delayed the decision briefly to allow him time to grieve following the death of his father.
While De Zerbi remains a leading candidate, his potential appointment has drawn criticism from several Tottenham supporters’ groups due to his past support for former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood. Greenwood joined Marseille under De Zerbi in 2023 after criminal charges against him, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped. During his time in France, De Zerbi publicly described Greenwood as a “good person” who had faced significant consequences for past events.
Spurs’ official LGBTQ+ supporters group, Proud Lilywhites, expressed concern about the possible appointment, stating that public support for Greenwood raised serious questions about leadership and accountability. Meanwhile, former Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has been considered as a short-term option. Dyche, who became available after leaving Forest in February, has a strong reputation for helping teams avoid relegation—an important factor given Tottenham’s current league position.
However, sources suggest Dyche would require at least an 18-month contract, which could complicate negotiations.
Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is also seen as a popular choice among supporters due to his successful previous tenure at the club. However, his current commitments with the United States national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup make an immediate return unlikely.
Several candidates with previous Tottenham connections—including Ryan Mason, Harry Redknapp, and Tim Sherwood—have been linked to interim roles until the end of the season. Current player Ben Davies has also been mentioned as a possible short-term solution.
Other former Tottenham figures, such as Glenn Hoddle and Chris Hughton, have been suggested as temporary managerial options.
Former Monaco head coach Adi Hutter had also been considered, but he recently ruled himself out of contention. In a statement to Sky Sports Austria, he confirmed that he does not plan to return to coaching until at least the start of the next season, maintaining the same position he expressed after leaving his previous role in October 2025.
