Tottenham stuck in drop zone as De Zerbi challenges squad
Tottenham join Bayern and Arsenal for Atlético Nacional’s 17-year-old Samuel Martínez, likened to Kaká. The Colombia U17 playmaker will decide soon amid strong competition.
Ex-Spurs boss Thomas Frank, who cost over £23m in compensation and wages after an eight-month stint, is linked with Birmingham City amid their managerial uncertainty.
Spurs suffer another blow as a top academy prospect sustains a worse-than-feared injury just as he was breaking through, with no return date set.
Andrea Dossena says Udinese rejected Tottenham’s bid in 2008, paving his move to Liverpool, where he scored against Real Madrid and Man Utd before later joining Napoli.
Radu Dragusin plans to leave Spurs this summer regardless of survival, with interest from Italy and Germany, after a limited, difficult spell since his £27m move.
After a 3-0 loss to Forest leaves Spurs 17th, Opta’s supercomputer tips them to survive by a point with a 27.10% relegation chance, predicting 38 points. West Ham tipped to go down.
Spurs are confident of keeping Archie Gray, contracted to 2030, despite Liverpool, Man Utd and Bayern interest. Relegation could change stance, but survival boosts hopes to retain the ‘incredible’ talent.
Report claims Spurs eye Leeds keeper Karl Darlow on a free to aid homegrown quota amid goalkeeper issues. Leeds urged to extend the 35-year-old after standout saves.
Andre Villas-Boas blames years of managerial churn for Spurs’ plight and says De Zerbi must bring stability, adding Spurs have the infrastructure to bounce back even if relegated.
Fenerbahçe have opened talks with Pape Matar Sarr’s intermediaries and will push to sign him if Spurs are relegated, hoping to land the €32m-rated midfielder for less in a planned midfield rebuild.
With one point from five under Tudor, Spurs weigh a change during the break. Options include Marco Rose, Adi Hutter and club legends like Glenn Hoddle as relegation fears grow.
Spurs stay 18th after Brighton’s 95th-minute leveller makes it 2-2. De Zerbi says they can win five in a row, lauds Xavi Simons, backs Kevin Danso, and warns sulkers will be sent home.
Report hints Spurs have a first signing lined up, touted as a future captain if Romero departs, dependent on Premier League survival. Details remain vague.
Jamie Carragher warns Spurs’ slump may continue at Wolves despite De Zerbi’s positives. Tottenham are winless in 15 league games, stuck 18th since December’s last victory.
Journalist Alasdair Gold says Conor Gallagher produced his best Spurs display in the 2-2 draw with Brighton.
Carragher tips Leeds to reach 45 points, expecting Spurs to beat them given Tottenham’s peril. He forecasts setbacks at Bournemouth and West Ham but wins over Burnley and Brighton.
Ex-Arsenal defender Lauren wants Spurs to stay up to keep the north London derby, noting Arsenal’s 4-1 wins home and away while Tottenham battle relegation under De Zerbi.
Spurs’ late U-turn for De Zerbi signals desperation and questions leadership of Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, amid prior concerns over his temperament and Greenwood comments.
Spurs may sell injured captain Cristian Romero this summer, valuing him at €60m-€65m amid interest from Real Madrid, Atletico and Man Utd. Price could drop if Tottenham are relegated.
De Zerbi admits fear is inhibiting Spurs after a 1-0 loss at Sunderland leaves them 18th with six to play. Nordi Mukiele’s deflected winner, Cristian Romero suffers a suspected knee injury.
Spurs, still in the drop zone after late Brighton drama, look to a £35m ‘Poch-era Dele Alli’-type attacker to spark survival. Any further stumbles could be costly.
