Sports Illustrated

Andy Robertson has reached an agreement to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer once his Liverpool contract expires, a report has revealed.

Robertson came close to joining Spurs permanently during the January transfer window, only seeing the move fall through after Liverpool failed to find a suitable replacement in time, but will be free to make whatever move he wants this summer once his contract at Anfield is allowed to expire.

The Athletic were first to reveal Spurs are in “pole position” to sign Robertson at the end of the season, and Fabrizio Romano has now added there is already a verbal agreement in place to take the Scotland international to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

A deal is far from guaranteed, however, with Robertson waiting to see the result of Spurs’ battle against relegation before putting pen to paper. If Roberto De Zerbi’s side survive, a deal will be agreed.

West Ham United’s victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday means Spurs have dropped into the relegation zone, although they remain in control of their own destiny and can climb back out with victory over Sunderland on Sunday.

How Robertson Would Fit in at Tottenham

Spurs have a number of problems in their squad but, on paper, left back does not really look like one.

Destiny Udogie is still one of the bigger names in the squad, Djed Spence is a capable deputy even though he is naturally right-sided and young Souza was recruited from Santos in January to set things up for the future.

It would come as a surprise to see Spurs put their faith in Robertson over Udogie, but the issue is not as simple as that. Udogie has struggled horribly with injuries this year, missing 19 games across all competitions and leaving Spurs with a headache at the back.

Robertson would be a high-level deputy, having performed a similar role at Liverpool this season behind the struggling Milos Kerkez.

There could even be a place for Robertson alongside Udogie. A struggle for minutes under Arne Slot has seen the Scot deployed as an emergency center back at times this season and it would come as no surprise to see a semi-permanent switch to a central role.

Even if there is no obvious void in the Spurs squad for Robertson to fill, the dressing room would benefit enormously from his experience and professionalism at a time in which the pressure could hardly be higher.

After a miserable two years, Spurs need senior, level-headed players capable of steadying the ship and righting the wrongs. At the very least, Robertson embodies everything Spurs want to be.

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English clubs turn their attention back to the Premier League for the first time since the international break this weekend.

After a week dominated by FA Cup thrills and Champions League drama, the Premier League will hope to live up to expectations by throwing out some massive fixtures which seem destined to have massive impacts on both ends of the table.

Time is running out for players and managers across the country, with just seven matches remaining to determine whether fans will leave this season with smiles on their faces or heads in their hands.

Here are Sports Illustrated’s predictions for all the fun across Gameweek 32.

West Ham United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Arsenal vs. Bournemouth

Brentford vs. Everton

Burnley vs. Brighton & Hove Albion

Liverpool vs. Fulham

Crystal Palace vs. Newcastle United

Nottingham Forest vs. Aston Villa

Sunderland vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea vs. Manchester City

Manchester United vs. Leeds United

Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 32

West Ham United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Date: Friday, April 10

Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

We kick things off on Friday with an enormous clash at the bottom of the table. Bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers, earning significant pride en route to inevitable relegation, travel to face a West Ham United outfit staring the drop in the face.

The Hammers currently sit 18th, one point adrift of safety having produced a real mixed bag of form in recent weeks (months and years). Their recent FA Cup defeat to Leeds United—largely dire but sprinkled with real glimmers of excitement and hope—sums up things at London Stadium this year.

West Ham will recognize the chance to climb out of the relegation zone here and that should will Nuno Espírito Santo’s side on to a huge three points.

Prediction: West Ham 2–1 Wolves

Arsenal vs. Bournemouth

Date: Saturday, April 11

Time: 12:30 p.m. BST / 7:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 a.m. PT

Early the next day, title hopefuls Arsenal will seek to end their domestic slump with a statement victory at home to Bournemouth.

An ugly 1–0 win away at Sporting CP will have boosted morale for Mikel Arteta’s side, who have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to an almighty 12 points by the time Saturday’s action comes to a close.

They won’t have an easy ride against Bournemouth. The Cherries may sit 13th heading into the weekend but are one of several teams in an almighty fight for Europe. Just 10 points separate fifth and 14th and Bournemouth could feasibly be thinking about a spot in the Europa League with victory here.

Bournemouth have beaten Arsenal in two of their last three league meetings, including a 2–1 win at the Emirates last season. That solitary loss, back on Jan. 3, was actually the last time Bournemouth lost a Premier League game. Confidence is high and that could be a problem for Arsenal.

Prediction: Arsenal 1–1 Bournemouth

Brentford vs. Everton

Date: Saturday, April 11

Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

There promises to be plenty of entertainment when Brentford host Everton, the two sides both eyeing entry into the race for Champions League qualification.

Brentford sit seventh on 46 points, ahead of eighth-placed Everton only on goal difference. Both teams are just two points back from Chelsea and three behind the team currently holding the final Champions League spot, Liverpool.

The margins for error are so slim at this level and both teams will know that, but being cagey would not aid either team. Points are needed and the chance to take some from a direct competitor is too alluring to pass up.

Of the two, Everton spirits are highest heading into the game. Brentford are on a frustrating run of draws, but the Toffees stunned Chelsea before the international break to boost their confidence, and that could make the difference.

Prediction: Brentford 1–2 Everton

Burnley vs. Brighton & Hove Albion

Date: Saturday, April 11

Time: 3 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT

Like Wolves, Burnley are simply awaiting the inevitable, but the Clarets are going out with a whimper and are in danger of dropping to the foot of the table if results go against them this weekend.

Burnley fans will not be expecting much from the visit of Brighton, 10th in the table with four wins from their last five, including a 2–1 victory over Liverpool to lead them into the international break.

The Seagulls are locked in a race for Europe and will fancy their chances of boosting their standing with a comfortable victory at Turf Moor.

Prediction: Burnley 0–2 Brighton

Liverpool vs. Fulham

Date: Saturday, April 11

Time: 5:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT

Few teams need a win quite like Liverpool right now.

Morale is on the floor after defeat to Man City at the weekend was followed by a humiliating defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Arne Slot’s on a run of three straight defeats. Given the tight nature of the table, a few more poor results could see them tumble out of contention for any European action next season.

Sunday’s opponents, Fulham, could move just two points behind the Reds with victory and will fancy their chances of doing so, propelled by the form of former Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson, who has two goals and two assists in his last four games.

Anfield is not the fortress it once was, and Fulham may well take advantage of that.

Prediction: Liverpool 0–1 Fulham

Crystal Palace vs. Newcastle United

Date: Sunday, April 12

Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT

Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are both on the fringes of the European races, aware one victory could ignite the end to their seasons just as much as one defeat could end their hopes of glory.

Much will depend on which version of Newcastle turns up here. The Magpies drew with Barcelona and beat Chelsea before a 7–2 humbling at Camp Nou was followed by defeat in the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland. Inconsistency has been a massive problem for Eddie Howe’s side.

Anthony Gordon has scored in each of Newcastle’s last three Premier League games and will hope to conjure up the moment of magic that could well decide where the points end up here.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 0–1 Newcastle

Nottingham Forest vs. Aston Villa

Date: Sunday, April 12

Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT

A 2–0 win over Wolves ended Aston Villa’s slide down the Premier League standings and, with things going well in the Europa League, Unai Emery’s side will feel good about their push to qualify for the Champions League.

Nottingham Forest had similarly lofty aspirations last season but have been focused on survival this time around. The 3–0 thumping of Tottenham Hotspur before the international break not only raised spirits but, perhaps most importantly, raised Vítor Pereira’s side away from the relegation zone.

Forest may have won just three times in the Premier League this calendar year, but they have rarely been easy to beat. Five of their last 12 have ended in draws and two of four defeats have only come by one goal, although Villa were one of the two sides to pick up a bigger win when these two opened up the year back in January.

Villa won 3–1 on that day and a similarly comfortable win could be on the cards again.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 0–2 Aston Villa

Sunderland vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Date: Sunday, April 12

Time: 2 p.m. BST / 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT

If there is one team that can rival Liverpool’s need for victory, it is Tottenham Hotspur, who mark the debut of new manager Roberto De Zerbi with a trip up north to face Sunderland.

Spurs are an entirely unknown quantity under the new manager and that makes it tough to predict a continuation of the doom and gloom, but has that not been the case all season? The players are surely too good to be in this situation and the same can be said of the manager, yet for whatever reason, nobody has been able to figure things out.

Traveling to face a Sunderland side in high spirits after being their arch rivals is hardly the baptism De Zerbi would have wanted. The Black Cats have failed to maintain their hot form from the start of the season but are still punching well above their weight. Perhaps simply avoiding defeat would be a good start for Spurs in this new era.

Prediction: Sunderland 0–0 Tottenham

Chelsea vs. Manchester City

Date: Sunday, April 12

Time: 4:30 p.m. BST / 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT

Beating Port Vale 7–0 in the FA Cup brought some positivity back to Chelsea, but Liam Rosenior will fear plunging right back into crisis when his side host Manchester City on Sunday.

As is tradition, City have rediscovered their mojo at the late stages of the season. They may well have left it too late in pursuit of the Premier League title but Pep Guardiola’s side, fresh off demolishing Liverpool, will back themselves to win every game between now and the end of the season. Whether that would be enough in the title race is, unfortunately for them, no longer in their hands.

Chelsea have the potential to derail City’s dreams, but few Blues fans are expecting that to happen after a bruising March brought miserable low after miserable low.

Prediction: Chelsea 1–3 Man City

Manchester United vs. Leeds United

Date: Monday, April 13

Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

We end the round with a resumption of one of England’s most famous feuds. The Roses Rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds United has been historically intense but was put on pause during Leeds’ spell outside the Premier League, although the tensions between the two fanbases has never calmed.

Under Michael Carrick, United’s confidence has grown with each passing week. A spot in the Champions League is very much theirs to lose and there will be few around Old Trafford who genuinely believe they could relinquish that spot at this stage in the season.

Leeds are not safe of a relegation fight just yet and will hope that their status as the final team to play their game is a blessing, rather than a curse, as they seek to at least match the results of those sides below them in the division.

After a disappointing draw against Bournemouth before the break, expect the Red Devils to come out firing to try and set things right.

Prediction: Man Utd 2–0 Leeds

Premier League Predictions: Gameweek 32

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This week, when the FA Cup quarter-finals were played, Sunderland had rest and a positive training preparation for what will be their next match on April 12th against Tottenham Hotspur, waiting to compete against a team that is in decline in the Premier League.

At this point in the season, they are also focusing on the transfer window and following young players with promising projection who are fundamental for Black Cats.

On this occasion, the follow-up focuses on a young promise from Blackburn Rovers, who has caught the attention of the big teams in the Premier League, and even though the player's renewal with Blackburn has been confirmed, this does not prevent the teams from coming forward to seek his signing.

• More: Two Sunderland Stars on Alert as Club Considers Summer Departures

Sunderland Will Compete Against the Big Teams of the Premier League for Tom Atcheson

The TeamTalk newspaper confirmed that the player Tom Atcheson has been renewed by Blackburn Rovers, but that at the moment he is being followed by teams like Manchester United, Sunderland, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, among others.

At only 19 years of age, he is a great prospect for Northern Ireland. In the EFL Championship, he has already played 8 matches, accumulating 545 minutes as a central defender who, for his young age, is a promising player.

With big teams behind him like Manchester United and now Sunderland joining the follow-up of this player, it is ideal to think that one of these big Premier League teams will take the young promise.

With a market value as indicated by FotMob of €660K, it is the biggest attraction for the teams and hoping that this player has an important development throughout his career as a central defender.

Sunderland's priority in this position seems to remain the Colombian John Lucumi, but if they do not obtain the Bologna player, they continue evaluating options, and without a doubt, Tom Atcheson is a great candidate due to his sporting performance.

It will be indispensable for Sunderland during the transfer window, where they hope to compete positively next season in the Premier League. With a very positive moment for the team, they made clear their ambitions for the future, competing in a great way in their return season.

Now, rumors increase greatly for what will be the future of the team, with interesting players from the best leagues of Europe, where the investment that will be made will be large to obtain a broad and competitive squad.

In their sights, they seem to have a young player who would see an exit due to the moment his club is going through, hoping to have important minutes and greater protagonism in his career, so Sunderland closely follows this footballer.

• More: Sunderland and Newcastle Battle for €32M-Rated Manchester City Defender

Sunderland Seek to Obtain the Young Promise of Fulham, Harry Wilson

The TeamTalk newspaper has confirmed that Harry Wilson is in the sights of several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland, and even Liverpool, who are seeking the Fulham attacker, who has been the great surprise of the season.

With this confirmation, a dispute between several Premier League teams would be sought to obtain this player, and, as indicated by Transfermark, he has played 34 matches in the current season, scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists with Fulham.

A player who has become decisive and making clear his potential and how he has developed this to be important as a passer and goalscorer, what most catches the attention of the teams that follow him is his great adaptation to compete match after match when the team needs him.

For Regis Le Bris's squad, he would be an ideal piece in the team's offense, being able to have interesting associations with players like Brian Brobbey, Enzo Le Fee, among others to have a more than complete attacking team.

His market value would be around €25M, as indicated by Transfermark, and this price is even more tempting for Black Cats, who would consider going all in for the attacker despite the great rivals they have to contend with to sign Harry Wilson.

Former Monaco manager Adi Hütter has insisted there is no truth to reports he could take charge of Tottenham Hotspur before the end of the season, although reports suggest Spurs have been handed a welcome boost in pursuit of their favored target, Roberto De Zerbi.

Igor Tudor left his post as interim manager on Sunday, just 44 days after replacing Thomas Frank, with Spurs sitting one point above the relegation zone with seven games left to play. Hütter was touted as a potential target before Tudor was hired and was reportedly still in the frame, but the Austrian has now put the speculation to bed.

“In recent days and weeks, I have been increasingly linked with various clubs,” Hütter said in a statement. “However, as I already stated immediately after my time at Monaco, I would prefer not to work as a head coach again until the start of the new season at the earliest.

“My position on this matter has not changed since then.”

Spurs did not waste long licking their wounds, however, as talks over their top target ramped up.

Roberto De Zerbi ‘Open’ to Tottenham Offer

Former Brighton & Hove Albion and Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi has long been hailed as a key target for Spurs, whose battle against relegation has left the Italian incredibly reluctant to entertain an immediate switch. Up to this point, De Zerbi had been keen to wait until the end of the campaign.

Things now appear to have changed and Gianluca Di Marzio was first to reveal that De Zerbi is now prepared to listen to Spurs’ offer.

A five-year contract, including guarantees of significant backing in the transfer market in the summer, is on the table for De Zerbi, although the prospect of being tied into that agreement in the event of relegation still poses a major obstacle.

Spurs are thought to be wary of agreeing to a relegation release clause, but they could sweeten the deal with an enormous financial bonus if De Zerbi can lead the team to safety.

If De Zerbi cannot be convinced, Spurs will have to accept defeat in pursuit of any of their top targets. Mauricio Pochettino’s contract with the USMNT does not expire until after the World Cup, while Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola has vowed to see out the season with the Cherries.

Another interim boss could be appointed, with Spurs weighing up the appointment of a European coach alongside an assistant that is far more familiar with the club. Ryan Mason and Chris Hughton are among those linked.

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With seven games left of the 2025–26 season, Tottenham Hotspur have rolled the dice one final time.

Igor Tudor, hired to tidy up the mess left behind from the Thomas Frank era, has been relieved of his duties after just 44 days in charge, with the team one point clear of the relegation zone following the disastrous 3–0 defeat to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest.

Spurs could even be in the relegation zone by the next time they take to the field. West Ham United, currently sitting 18th, face bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday, two days before Spurs make the long trip up to Sunderland.

With the stakes as high as they have ever been, the Opta supercomputer has crunched the numbers on Spurs’ chances of Premier League survival.

Supercomputer Predicts Tottenham’s Chances of Relegation From Premier League

The two sides currently in 19th and 20th, Burnley and Wolves, are both seen as near-certainties to drop down to the second tier. Burnley’s relegation chances sit at 99.90%, surprisingly higher than the 99.88% afforded to Wolves.

Above them, however, things are far less clear.

Fortunately for Spurs, the supercomputer is still feeling somewhat confident about their chances of survival. The Lilywhites are given just a 27.00% chance of the drop, although that is nearly 24% higher than when former manager Thomas Frank departed the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in early February.

Instead, it is West Ham United who are still staring relegation in the face. The supercomputer believes there is a 57.03% chance that Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are destined for the drop, although the margins are still perilously tight.

Just one point currently separates Spurs and West Ham, and it seems as though it could stay that way for the remainder of the season. One slip-up could change everything.

Tottenham’s Premier League Fixtures Compared to West Ham

Both Spurs and West Ham have a real mixed bag when it comes to their remaining fixtures.

The two teams both still have to play Wolves, whose league position is actually somewhat deceptive. Rob Edwards’s side have been impressive over the second half of the season but are being held down by a record-shatteringly awful start to the campaign from which there was never going to be any recovering.

Everton at home is also on the agenda for both teams, including on the final day for Spurs, while West Ham’s season ends with a visit from a Leeds side who will have traveled to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium just two weeks earlier.

Games against Chelsea and Aston Villa promise to be tough for Spurs, who will also not be relishing the prospect of facing Brighton and Everton sides still chasing a spot in Europe next season.

West Ham, meanwhile, will hope for maximum points from their next two games against Wolves and Crystal Palace, particularly as their next four fixtures all look very tough. Brentford and Everton are both just three points back from the Champions League spots as it stands, before a trip to an Arsenal side that could still be looking to confirm their place as title-winners. Going up to St. James’ Park to face Newcastle could be tricky, too.

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For some, this was a predictable outcome.

Igor Tudor has failed to see out his short-term contract at Tottenham Hotspur, lasting just seven games and 44 days in north London before his departure was confirmed by the club on Sunday.

The Croat replaced the mightily unpopular Thomas Frank with Spurs five points clear of the drop, and enjoying the buffer of several teams below them in the table. He departs after claiming just a single Premier League point with the Lilywhites sunk further into the mire.

Now, just a point separates the Europa League holders from an apocalyptic fate.

The decision-makers in north London don’t yet know which direction to turn, but Tudor’s position was deemed untenable after last week’s 3–0 defeat to a direct relegation rival, Nottingham Forest.

Whomever they opt to replace the mourning Croat has the unenviable task of keeping a club that perceives itself to be capable of breaking bread with Europe’s elite in the top flight. Here’s what Tottenham must do to avoid the drop after letting go of their interim manager.

Tudor arrived in N17 with plenty of sceptics, and those who claimed the 47-year-old was destined to fail because he “doesn’t know our game!”, the English one, that is, will undoubtedly be lapping up a grand sense of vindication right now.

And while the issues at Tottenham transcend merely the figure on the touchline, the club would be wise to acknowledge the error they made in appointing Tudor.

They trusted a recommendation of ex-sporting director Fabio Paratici, and believed the immediate impact Tudor has made elsewhere, not just in Italy, but in France with Marseille, too, would be felt in north London.

But it wasn’t to be. Tudor’s failure wasn’t solely down to a lack of Premier League nous, but given the situation Spurs are in, it’d seem wise to appoint a coach with either intimate knowledge of the club itself, or their current predicament.

They shouldn’t panic themselves into bringing forward the appointment of their next ’project’ manager. Instead, they would be better advised to run it back with Ryan Mason or try to tempt Robbie Keane over from Ferencváros. Swallowing your pride and trusting Sean Dyche, who got Everton out of the mire in 2022–23, wouldn’t be the worst idea either.

Now is not the time for Adi Hütter to enjoy his first experience of the English top flight.

Thomas Frank sapped the life out of a squad that entered 2025–26 riding a wave of momentum after that glorious night in the Europa League final.

The Dane’s soccer was turgid and bereft of courage, with Tudor constantly hinting throughout his brief reign that his players needed to shed their “bad habits” to stop the rot. The interim was unable to overcome all of Frank’s bad, and the next incumbent will surely struggle to facilitate a complete overhaul.

While there were at least positive moments under Tudor, most notably against Liverpool and Atlético Madrid (when everyone had the correct footwear) this remains a broken Tottenham squad without reliable leadership.

There was a sense that Tudor’s no-nonsense style wasn’t ideal for the vulnerable Lilywhites, who instead need some tender loving care. Harry Redknapp would’ve been the ideal solution 10 years ago, but the venerated former manager has been out of the game since 2017, and is more concerned with horses and reality television than soccer, even if he’d love to take the job on.

This is a talented enough group of players to stay up; there’s no doubt about that, but they’ve got to swiftly rediscover their love for a sport that’s been merciless to them as of late. Empowerment is key for the next manager. Spurs won’t low-block and grind their way to safety.

There’s a feeling pervading through factions of the Tottenham fanbase that some of the playing staff regard themselves as above the current peril. Reports claim that some players have explicitly expressed as much in the dressing room. A perceived lack of care has seen previous fan favorites widely slandered.

Micky van de Ven is among those to come under heavy scrutiny, with the Dutchman’s form falling off a cliff in 2026 after enjoying a stellar autumn. Van de Ven took offense to such claims, and laughed off the idea that any of the players had downed tools, knowing they’d be able to move on in the event of an unfathomable relegation anyway.

It certainly wasn’t a motivation issue last week against Forest. Tudor should’ve started Xavi Simons after his excellent performance against Atléti, and was made to pay for panicking at halftime with a double substitution. In the end, Spurs’ poor technical base was exposed by a stubborn Forest defense that had few issues containing the hosts in the second half.

This is a gifted squad, but an obviously imperfect one. Those regarded as the most talented have let their teammates down at times this season, including the revered pair of center backs, and no one should be deemed above the law when it comes to team selection for seven cup finals down the stretch.

Those who have floundered don’t deserve the chance to enjoy late-season salvation, especially once more players return from injury. Those who have offered blood, sweat and tears to the cause as of late, like Archie Gray and Mathys Tel, must be cherished. It’s these figures who’ll help Tottenham survive.

Tottenham haven’t won a Premier League game since Mohammed Kudus succumbed to a thigh injury at the start of 2026. It’d be an understatement to suggest the Ghanaian’s absence has been keenly felt, especially with dazzling playmakers James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski yet to play a single minute this season.

Frank’s Spurs boasted little else by way of attacking innovation other than giving the ball to the really good soccer player down the right-hand side. Kudus was all Frank had during his miserable reign, with the Lilywhites almost exclusively dependent on the summer arrival’s ability to resist pressure and beat a man to create any openings in the final third.

The decision not to add an attacker to their ranks in the winter, having sold Brennan Johnson and lost Kudus to injury, was mind-boggling, and has contributed to their demise.

On the bright side, Kudus is on the comeback trail and potentially in contention for Tottenham’s next game against Sunderland on April 12. Soon, Spurs will be able to give the ball to the really good soccer player down the right-hand side again.

Things should be O.K. as a result.

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In a desperate attempt to lure the divisive figure of Roberto De Zerbi to north London, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering offering the outspoken Italian coach a contract which includes a release clause in the event of relegation.

Igor Tudor’s disastrous interim reign had not yet been brought to a merciful conclusion by the time De Zerbi’s name was first floated as a potential alternative. Now that the Croatian boss has officially parted ways with the club, thoughts are even more keenly focused on his successor.

There is understood to have been a reluctance from De Zerbi to take over a team perched perilously above the relegation zone. To dissuade those concerns, there have even been discussions about including a release clause in the former Brighton and Marseille boss’s contract which would allow another club to extract him from his Spurs deal were they to get relegated under his watch, according to The Times.

De Zerbi is thought to be “amenable” to the idea of taking over Tottenham but only if another incumbent has successfully avoided relegation, BBC Sport report in the aftermath of Tudor’s exit. It remains to be seen whether this release clause option will be offered and if it will be accepted.

Tottenham are not in action again until April 12, when they travel to Sunderland for the first of their seven remaining Premier League matches. The club reportedly want to give their new coach—the club’s third of the season—at least 10 days to prepare for that match.

Even without taking into consideration this incredibly risky release clause proposal, talk of De Zerbi’s potential appointment has inspired widespread backlash from the Spurs fanbase.

Why Tottenham Fans Are Protesting Against Potential De Zerbi Appointment

Multiple Tottenham fan groups have joined forces to warn the club against appointing De Zerbi following his public defense of the controversial forward Mason Greenwood during their shared time at Marseille.

The former Manchester United winger did not play for the Premier League club again after being arrested in January 2022. He was subsequently accused of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Greenwood denied all accusations.

The U.K. Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges in February 2023 after “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction,” a spokesperson told the BBC.

Manchester United then conducted an in-house investigation which lasted until August 2023. At that point, the club claimed: “Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged.” However, it was decided that he would not play for United again. “As Mason publicly acknowledges today,” a statement at the time read, “he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.”

Greenwood spent the 2023–24 season on loan at Spanish side Getafe before signing for De Zerbi’s Marseille in July 2024.

The ’No to De Zerbi’ Campaign

Before Greenwood had officially signed for Marseille, De Zerbi promised to publicly defend all his players “like [they were] my sons.” Earlier this season, the Italian coach described the forward as “a good person,” adding: “It saddens me what happened to him because I know a very different person from the one portrayed in England.”

These comments are among those to have inspired the ‘No to De Zerbi’ campaign launched by some Spurs supporters.

The Proud Lilywhites group, Women of the Lane and Spurs Reach all released statements criticizing De Zerbi’s defense of Greenwood.

“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,” The Proud Lilywhites group wrote.

Women of the Lane accused De Zerbi of statements which “downplays the seriousness of male violence against women and girls. That raises serious questions about judgement and leadership.” Spurs Reach argue: “Regardless of intent, framing of this nature risks normalising harmful attitudes, diminishing the experiences of survivors, and sending a deeply concerning message about what is tolerated within the game.”

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Tottenham Hotspur have twisted again in their bid to avoid a stunning relegation, as the club have parted ways with interim manager Igor Tudor after just 44 days.

Tudor joined Spurs last month in the wake of Thomas Frank’s departure on a short-term basis, but the Croat’s position was deemed untenable at a perilously critical juncture after earning just a single point from five Premier League outings.

His team, who looked to have turned a corner by drawing at Anfield and beating Atlético Madrid, were cast aside by direct relegation rivals Nottingham Forest 3–0 last week, and Spurs opted to cut ties with Tudor seven days on.

The direction a hugely unpopular board go next will be fascinating, with Tottenham’s third manager of a dismal 2025–26 campaign having the sole task of keeping the Lilywhites in the top flight. There are just seven games left, with Spurs 17th and just one point clear of the drop zone.

Here are how the next five Premier League games look for those fighting to survive.

Tottenham, Leeds, Nottingham Forest, West Ham’s Next Five Premier League Matches Compared

It was a delicate situation for Tottenham to navigate, as Tudor’s father, Mario, passed away last week. He’s returned home to mourn, and the club’s lengthy wait for their next Premier League outing meant they didn’t need to announce his departure at the start of the international break.

Whomever Spurs opt for as his replacement will make the long trip north for their first outing, with the Lilywhites facing Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on April 12. Brighton & Hove Albion visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium the following week, before the capital club travel to Premier League basement dwellers Wolverhampton Wanderers, a team rejuvenated under Rob Edwards, but are all but assured of their place in the second tier next season.

May begins with a daunting trip to Aston Villa, currently scheduled to be a Saturday lunchtime kickoff, before Spurs host another critical relegation six-pointer, this time against a slumping Leeds United outfit.

Leeds took a few big strides towards safety over Christmas, but have been found wanting as of late. They’re winless in the top flight since Feb. 6, and Manchester United are up next for Daniel Farke’s side.

A trip to Bournemouth in late April also beckons, but they’ll hope to claim maximum points when Wolves and Burnley visit Elland Road.

Nottingham Forest have momentum on their side after winning handsomely in north London, and they’re being treated to back-to-back home games after the international break. Aston Villa and Burnley visit the City Ground before Forest travel to Sunderland and Chelsea.

The Tricky Trees also have the Europa League quarterfinals to navigate, with two games against Porto arriving on either side of the Villa clash. A home fixture against Newcastle United rounds off their upcoming slate.

West Ham will fancy their chances at home against Wolves after their FA Cup quarterfinal with Leeds, with a potential victory there boosting confidence ahead of two winnable fixtures away at Crystal Palace and home to an Everton side led by former boss David Moyes. The Toffees, however, have been excellent on their travels this season.

The Hammers will need to cash-in over the next few weeks, because May starts with a tricky trip to European hopefuls Brentford, then an encounter with Premier League leaders Arsenal at the London Stadium.

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In his typically inimitable style, Sean Dyche laughed off suggestions that he is in the running to replace Igor Tudor at Tottenham Hotspur, rubbishing numerous reports as “brilliant” examples of unfounded speculation.

Tottenham Hotspur are poised to appoint their third manager of a dismal 2025–26 season in short order, with Tudor likely to be let go next week after mourning the passing of his father, Mario.

Tudor has overseen four defeats and a draw in five Premier League outings, meaning Spurs are now 17th in the table and just a point clear of the drop zone. Relegation is no longer a fantasy that supporters can laugh off, but rather a frightening potential.

There had been signs of Tudor getting a tune out of a broken set of players, with a 3–2 victory over Atlético Madrid ensuring the Lilywhites entered their pivotal six-pointer against Nottingham Forest enthused. However, the 3–0 defeat that followed all but condemned Tudor, even if Spurs have little idea what direction to turn next.

An unpopular hierarchy has considered bringing their next long-term appointment forward to now, while supporters have called for someone familiar with the club to oversee their fight for survival. According to The Telegraph, Dyche is also being considered. According to the man himself, that isn’t likely to happen.

Dyche Recounts Hilarious Pub Encounter Over Spurs Job

“It’s brilliant, honestly,” Dyche responded when asked on a talkSPORT appearance about rumors tying him to the Tottenham job.

Speculation swirled on social media heading into the weekend, as images and clips of Dyche out and about in London surfaced. “I was in a pub just up the way near my place I’ve got down here and this guy goes, ‘Oh, you’re meant to be in talks with Spurs tonight.’

“I went, ‘Well, I’m sat next to you having a pint of Guinness, so it’s unlikely.’ I said, ‘Unless you work for Spurs and they’re in the Seven Stars pub having a pint of Guinness.’ I said, ‘It’s highly unlikely.’

“No I’m not, I’m with you mate and I’m on talkSPORT, that’s what I’m doing.”

A pivot to Dyche, who steered Everton to safety in 2022–23 but was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest, depicts Spurs’ perilous position and the desperation of a board that has little idea what they’re doing. Their Tudor gamble has backfired, and now they’re scrambling.

Tottenham’s ‘Preferred Candidate’ Is Hesitant

While plenty are still holding out hope that Mauricio Pochettino will return to oversee the “painful rebuild” he warned about in 2019, the U.S. men’s national team coach won’t be available until after the World Cup.

However, there will be no Poch reunion this summer if Spurs can appoint their preferred candidate to replace Tudor. Tottenham are trying to persuade former Marseille and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi—despite supporter backlash—but the Italian is adamant that he won’t take any job on until after the season’s conclusion, according to Sky Italia.

De Zerbi’s hesitance renders a Dyche pursuit more likely, although ex-Monaco coach Adi Hütter has also been linked with the role.

There should be greater clarity once Tottenham part ways with Tudor, if reports are accurate, on Monday.

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