Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Mon 30 March 2026 15:30, UK

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Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly edging towards the Tottenham Hotspur job after Igor Tudor mutually agreed to leave.

The Croatian was named interim manager in February but won just one game from seven across all competitions and is dealing with a personal bereavement.

Former Brighton manager De Zerbi appears to have emerged as the leading candidate to replace him, with talks advancing.

The Italian had initially been reluctant to join before the end of the season, but he now appears willing to step in at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham’s next manager will be faced with the immediate task of reuniting a broken squad ahead of seven key games to keep them in the Premier League.

Evan Ferguson thrived under Roberto De Zerbi

Evan Ferguson has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a significant ankle injury while on loan with Roma.

The 21-year-old had hoped to kick-start his career after being reduced largely to appearances off the bench during the first half of last season at Brighton.

The forward spent the second half of the season at West Ham but failed to score a single goal before returning.

Just two years ago, Ferguson had been discussed alongside figures in the region of £100million, with his potential seen as limitless.

The Ireland international had broken through under De Zerbi, scoring 10 goals across all competitions as an 18-year-old.

Ferguson enjoyed further minutes under the Italian in the next season, and scored six goals before his season was ended early by a cruciate ligament tear.

The 21-year-old has failed to reach those initial numbers since, but with De Zerbi reportedly set to join Tottenham, there could be an opportunity this season.

The Lilywhites are in need of a striker, and should their potential new manager be able to get Ferguson back to his best, they would be gaining a top player.

What Ferguson said about De Zerbi

It is unclear whether Ferguson’s failure to find form in the years since De Zerbi left Brighton is down to the change in tactical approach or coaching style. The injuries the striker has suffered cannot have helped.

But it is clear that the Italian had a connection with the Irishman that has not been repeated since.

Speaking to Robert Redmond in 2023, Ferguson said: “He’s very good, he knows what he’s talking about. He loves the game, he’s very passionate about it, I think that definitely helps.

“We train tactics most days, so you know what you’re doing (when you go on the pitch).”