BREAKING NEWS: Fabrizio Romano says main candidate ready to join club soon

Fabrizio Romano says main candidate ready to join club soon

Tottenham Hotspur’s season took another painful turn following a humiliating 3–0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, a result that has intensified fears about the club’s involvement in the relegation battle. While manager Igor Tudor cannot shoulder all the blame for the loss—given how poorly the players performed on the day—the defeat has nevertheless damaged the small wave of optimism that had begun to build around him.

In the weeks prior, there had been signs that Tudor might be starting to steady the ship at Tottenham. Performances against strong opposition such as Liverpool and Atletico Madrid had suggested the Croatian coach was beginning to find his rhythm at the North London club’s home in N17. However, the crushing defeat to Forest has quickly undone that positive narrative, once again raising serious questions about whether Tudor is the right man to lead Tottenham through this crisis.

The harsh reality is that Tudor was never widely viewed as a long-term solution for the club. Even in the short term, doubts have persisted about his ability to guide Spurs out of their current troubles. Tottenham’s leadership had already been criticized for reacting too slowly earlier in the season when former manager Thomas Frank began showing clear signs that his time in charge was nearing its end. That hesitation left the club scrambling when the inevitable decision to sack him was finally made.

Now, with results continuing to deteriorate, Tottenham’s hierarchy may once again find themselves under pressure to act quickly—this time to identify the next permanent manager who can stabilize the club and rebuild confidence.

Among supporters, one name continues to dominate discussions: Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine remains a hugely popular figure among Tottenham fans due to the success and identity he brought to the club during his previous spell in charge. Many supporters dream of seeing Pochettino return to North London to rescue the team during this turbulent period.

However, reports suggest Tottenham’s decision-makers may have another candidate firmly in their sights.

According to well-known transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, one coach who has consistently remained high on Tottenham’s radar is Roberto De Zerbi. Romano revealed that the Italian tactician has long been considered “a main candidate” for the job behind the scenes. De Zerbi had already been linked with Spurs during the winter months, and interest appears to have remained strong since then.

The former Olympique de Marseille manager reportedly sits near the top of Tottenham’s shortlist, particularly following his departure from the French club. Nevertheless, Romano carefully noted that De Zerbi is “a” leading candidate rather than “the” definitive option—suggesting that the club is still evaluating multiple possibilities.

Pochettino, for instance, is also said to be firmly in the conversation, with Romano describing him as “another name” under serious consideration. Yet indications are that De Zerbi may currently hold a slight advantage in the club’s internal discussions.

Interestingly, Romano suggested that De Zerbi is likely to become a realistic option only in the summer. That timing could prove crucial, as Tottenham must first ensure they avoid relegation from the Premier League. If Spurs manage to survive the season, the club could then pursue a long-term managerial appointment during the off-season.

This information contrasts with other reports emerging from the United Kingdom, which have suggested that De Zerbi could even be appointed immediately—potentially replacing Tudor if the right contractual terms can be agreed upon. Such a move would represent another dramatic managerial change during an already chaotic campaign.

If De Zerbi is not Tottenham’s outright first choice, he appears to be running neck-and-neck with Pochettino as the club’s preferred candidate. Many fans would naturally favor the familiarity and emotional connection of bringing Pochettino back, especially considering his successful history with the club.

However, Tottenham executives such as Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham are believed to admire De Zerbi’s tactical philosophy and coaching approach. The Italian built a reputation for attractive, progressive football during his spells with clubs including Sassuolo, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Brighton & Hove Albion.

That said, De Zerbi’s managerial career has not been without controversy. Reports of disagreements and fallouts at several of his previous clubs have raised concerns about whether he could provide the long-term stability Tottenham desperately needs.

For that reason, while De Zerbi remains a strong contender for the job, many supporters still see Pochettino as the safer and more appealing choice. As the season continues and Tottenham fight to secure their Premier League status, the debate over who should lead the club into its next chapter is only likely to intensify.