Keith Wyness 'surprised' Roberto De Zerbi agreed to summer Tottenham decision: 'I know from personal experience'

Tottenham Hotspur have made the wrong decision by playing matches in Australia as part of their pre-season ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who feels that the Lilywhites should have more of an offering for their home supporters this summer.

This comes after Spurs announced a home friendly against Hoffenheim, which will be the only action in their stadium ahead of the new season.

Wyness feels that they have missed an opportunity to get the fans "back onside" with that decision, and has also pointed out the negative effects of the club's trip to Australia.

Roberto De Zerbi's side will take on Sydney FC and Chelsea in Sydney, before also travelling to New Zealand to face Auckland FC.

While the tour is expected to have significant financial benefits for the North London outfit, Wyness is adamant that it could have a detrimental effect on the players.

Spurs' pre-season also includes clashes against MK Dons and Getafe, both of which will be played behind closed doors at Hotspur Way.

Keith Wyness: Roberto De Zerbi has no issue with Australia trip

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – is "surprised" that De Zerbi has agreed to take his team to Australia and New Zealand this summer.  

The tour was initially announced before the Italian was appointed as manager, but Wyness believes there has been little sign of him showing discontent towards the summer schedule.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track, he expressed concern at how Tottenham have built their pre-season.

"There'll be some money-making down in Australia and New Zealand. They've been down there a couple of times in the recent few years, because I know some Spurs fans down in Australia who always get excited about this," the Scottish businessman said.

"There'll be some money down there, but it's a long, long way to go for the players. I'm not a big fan of Australia and New Zealand trips in pre-season. 

"I know from personal experience it can take you at least a week, if not more, to get over the jet lag coming back from that trip. And I don't think it's the right way to prepare the teams going down that far, despite the fact it's an interesting market commercially.

"What does surprise me is that only Hoffenheim are playing at the great Spurs stadium. Why isn't there more for local fans, and why isn't there more use of the stadium itself? 

"I'm surprised that they're taking the squad all that way, and I'm surprised De Zerbi's agreed to that. I'm also surprised there isn't more home use and getting the fans back onside at the Spurs Stadium."

Borussia Dortmund trying to snatch Mikey Moore

Football Insider revealed on Sunday that Borussia Dortmund are one of three clubs pushing to sign Mikey Moore on loan from Spurs this summer.

The German giants were keen to sign the starlet before he penned professional terms in North London, and they are now keen to have him as part of their group for next season.

Fellow Bundesliga side Koln are also keen on a deal, while Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven are hoping to add a purchase option as part of a potential loan agreement.

Moore has also been heavily linked with a return to Rangers in recent weeks, where he enjoyed a hugely positive stint last term.