Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with several managers, including Roberto De Zerbi, with Antonio Conte expected to move on at the end of the season.
Antonio Conte will be a free agent in the summer. And while Tottenham have the option to trigger a one-year extension in his deal, the 53-year-old is reportedly keen on an exit. Tottenham are now looking at potential replacements, with Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has identified as an option, as relayed by Sport Witness.
The 43-year-old has done an admirable job at Brighton so far since arriving in the Premier League in the early stages of the season. And Tottenham are hoping to bring him in as a replacement for Conte, who will likely leave in the summer.
However, a report from Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the Premier League club will have to pay his termination clause of €10 million. The reported amount should not be a problem for a club with Tottenham’s resources, and they should be able to afford that easily.
They have been linked with former manager Mauricio Pochettino as well. The Argentine is currently without a job since leaving PSG, and the opportunity to return to north London could be tempting for him. Pochettino is adored by the fans and has a strong relationship with chairman Daniel Levy. He will feel that he has unfinished business at Tottenham, and a reunion could be ideal for all parties.
Meanwhile, De Zerbi has attracted a lot of praise because of his exciting and attacking brand of football at Brighton. And the Seagulls are currently pushing for European qualification. If he manages to guide Brighton to a top-six finish, it would be a massive achievement for the Italian manager.
De Zerbi has previously shown his quality in Italian football as well and it remains to be seen whether he is prepared to manage a big club with major expectations. Tottenham have not won a trophy for several years and will be desperate to end their wait for silverware soon. Conte was expected to win a trophy at the London club but has not been able to deliver so far.
De Zerbi is clearly a talented young manager who deserves the opportunity to showcase his qualities at a big club. And a move to Tottenham could be the ideal step up in the career of the 43-year-old right now. If a concrete proposal is presented in the summer, the Italian is likely to be tempted to join Tottenham.
