Tottenham push to appoint De Zerbi before Sunderland clash, facing fan fury and and survival doubts stall deal | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur have offered Roberto De Zerbi a contract that would make him one of the highest paid managers in the Premier League.

De Zerbi has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Igor Tudor, whose caretaker reign last just seven games. The Croatian departed the North London side by mutual consent on Sunday after winning just one of his games in charge.

Spurs sit just a point above thePremier League relegation places and are keen to bring in a replacement as soon as possible. The club return to action after the international break against Sunderland on April 12th.

De Zerbi is the club's preferred candidate and immediately available after leaving Marseille earlier this season. The Italian has experienced of the Premier League after a spell at Brighton, where he led the Seagulls to European qualification for the first time in their history.

According toThe Athletic, Spurs have submitted a long-term contract offer to De Zerbi with a lucrative financial package that would put him among the Premier League's top earners.

However, De Zerbi is understood to be reluctant to accept the role before the summer. His interest in the role is dependent on Spurs remaining in the Premier League, amid the threat of a first relegation since 1977.

Furthermore, multiple fan groups have protested against the possible appointment of De Zerbi. The objection is a result of De Zerbi's support of former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, who he worked with at Marseille.

Greenwood was initially arrested in January 2022 and faced multiple allegations against the same woman. His arrest was on suspicion of rape and assault, before a further arrest in February 2022 on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill. He was later charged with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The charges were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in February 2023. Greenwood did not play for Manchester United again following his arrest, before joining Marseille in 2024. He has denied any wrongdoing, with De Zerbi repeatedly backing the forward in public.

Three fan groups, Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane, and Spurs Reach released a joint statement urging the club against appointing De Zerbi.

“When someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, and frames it in a way that downplays the seriousness of what happened, it matters, not just in isolation but in what it signals.

“We are proud of the progress that’s been made in making football more inclusive and welcoming. That progress matters, and it cannot be compromised or treated as secondary.

“We are not asking for perfection. We are aking for accountability, transparency, and leadership that reflects the values this club claims to stand for.

“All together, always. That has to mean something. No to De Zerbi.”