Managing Tottenham as Roberto De Zerbi seals £61m reunion | Football | Sport

Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as a potential candidate for the managerial vacancy at Tottenham following the dismissal of Thomas Frank. The former Brighton boss could herald significant changes in north London should he take the reins.

Following a disappointing campaign that has left Spurs languishing just five points above the relegation zone, manager Frank was relieved of his duties this week. The former Brentford head coach had only been appointed in June and lasted a mere eight months in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium dugout. With Champions League knockout fixtures on the horizon and an urgent requirement to turn around their domestic form, the club are on the hunt for a new manager, with De Zerbi’s name featuring prominently in discussions.

The Italian parted ways with Marseille by mutual agreement on the same day Frank departed and has previously demonstrated his capabilities in the Premier League. Express Sport examines what the forthcoming months and summer transfer window might hold should De Zerbi succeed Frank.

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Lure Kaoru Mitoma to Spurs

With the January transfer window now closed, De Zerbi’s arrival would mean no instant reinforcements. However, come summer, there is one player Spurs could target.

Kaoru Mitoma flourished under De Zerbi’s guidance at Brighton, with his 2022/23 season establishing him as one of the Premier League’s most exciting wide men. Despite the Italian’s departure, his form remained strong, netting 10 league goals last term.

The buzz surrounding Mitoma has somewhat diminished due to a string of fitness setbacks, including a serious back problem during De Zerbi’s final season at the helm. A foot injury also sidelined the Japanese winger towards the end of last year.

However, at 28 years old, he has considerable time left in his career, and whilst he may not be generating headlines at present, his ability is undeniable. Last year, he was reportedly the target of a £61million offer from the Saudi Pro League, which Brighton turned down, though the Seagulls might be tempted to lower their asking price given his contract expires in 2027.

Should Mitoma wish to reunite with De Zerbi, a switch to Spurs could prove fruitful. An attacking trio featuring Mitoma on the left, Dominic Solanke centrally and Mohammed Kudus on the right would strike fear into any backline.

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Develop youth

Tottenham boast an abundance of exciting young prospects. Among those who have already established themselves as crucial first-team players are Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray.

Beyond this duo, academy prospects Mikey Moore, currently gaining experience on loan at Rangers, and Luca Williams-Barnett are being tipped for stardom. There’s also the on-loan Luka Vuskovic, who has established himself as one of Europe’s most talented young defenders.

Should De Zerbi take the reins at Spurs, both for the remainder of this season and beyond, he could help develop such talent as he did at Brighton. Previous managers at the club have perhaps not placed the same emphasis on youth development.

During his stint at the Amex Stadium, the Italian transformed a youthful 20-year-old Moises Caicedo into one of the world’s premier holding midfielders. He was then sold to Chelsea for £115m.

Alexis Mac Allister was just 23 when De Zerbi arrived and the tactical switch to deploy him further forward ultimately secured him a transfer to Liverpool. He remains a key figure for the Reds.

Joao Pedro, Julio Enciso, Jan Paul van Hecke and Evan Ferguson are among the young players who flourished under the 46-year-old. There’s every reason to believe he could inspire similar progress at Tottenham.