Tottenham confirm De Zerbi, first game at Sunderland
Potential De Zerbi targets named: Manuel Locatelli, Carlos Baleba, Gabriel Sara and Kaoru Mitoma to address midfield steel, creativity and left wing after departures and injuries.
De Zerbi targets Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli if Spurs survive. The pair thrived at Sassuolo, with mutual respect clear, but any move hinges on Premier League safety.
Rangers loanee Findlay Curtis earns Scotland debut vs Japan; Tottenham loanee Mikey Moore replies ‘Yes mate’ on Instagram. Curtis impresses at Kilmarnock with a goal and assist in seven games.
FPL outlook under De Zerbi: expect 4-2-3-1, possession build-up and high press, with defence risky. Monitor Xavi Simons, Richarlison and Solanke, while Porro’s attacking threat remains.
Spurs line up £50m-rated Bart Verbruggen if they stay up, with De Zerbi a huge fan. Vicario is linked with Inter after ‘agreeing personal terms’, while Bayern also track the Brighton keeper.
Roberto De Zerbi arrives as Spurs manager on a five-year deal, set for debut at Sunderland on 12 April before hosting former club Brighton in his home bow.
Ex-Marseille defender Lilian Brassier says he was ‘surprised’ by Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical demands and could not adapt, a warning that Spurs players must quickly embrace his risk-heavy build-up.
Cristian Romero admits he is ‘not really having the best time’, vows to ‘switch on the Tottenham mindset’ and fight relegation under Roberto De Zerbi amid links to a summer exit to La Liga.
Piece argues Spurs have a ‘new Christian Eriksen’ who could thrive under De Zerbi, shaping creativity and becoming the most valuable player in his system.
BBC Sport data show Spurs academy graduates have just 26 Premier League minutes in 2025-26, far behind Chelsea and Man City. With relegation looming, youth use is minimal and the pathway needs work.
Rodrigo Bentancur, out since January after hamstring surgery, is ‘doubtful for the World Cup’, casting fresh doubt on any Tottenham return this season as De Zerbi battles relegation.
Spurs may pursue a £55m centre-forward likened to Joao Pedro as De Zerbi plans summer moves, but immediate focus is Premier League survival over the next seven games.
