(Credit: Getty Images/Imago)

James Murray

Fri 3 April 2026 8:00, UK

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Tottenham Hotspur’s star players are expected to leave the club if they are relegated from the Premier League this season. 

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider Spurs will try and reduce their player wage bill to around £100million in the Championship.

Tottenham have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager following the departure of Igor Tudor.

However, the Italian boss takes over with the north London giants sitting 17th in the Premier League table and firmly in a relegation battle.

Tottenham would face significant financial challenges if they were to drop down to the Championship due to the difference in prize money compared to the top flight. 

How Tottenham ticket sales could be impacted after relegation

Tottenham could lose up to £300m in revenue if they fail to retain their Premier League status this season. 

Spurs posted their latest accounts for 2024-25 this week, showing their revenue improved from £528m in 2023-24 to £565m last season. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed the impact on Tottenham if they are relegated this season.

“There will be more home games because you’re in the Championship, so it’s 23 home games, but Lincoln City are a team likely to be in the Championship next season,” said Borson. 

“With the best will in the world, you are very unlikely to sell out 62,000 seats, plus all that corporate hospitality at the stadium, for a home game against Lincoln City. You’re just not going to.

“If you do sell it out, your price point is going to have to be lower, so a lot of it will depend on whether Spurs hit the ground running with a very exciting team winning a lot of matches with a much lower cost base.” 

How Tottenham could reduce their wage bill next season

Borson revealed Tottenham could aim to lower their player wage bill to around £100m in the Championship, with the club’s overall figure standing at £256m last season. 

“We know there are relegation clauses that mean that the wages are lower,” said Borson.

“The question then is what players are going to leave and where does the wage bill go? I would think they’ll try and get the wage bill down to let’s say £100m.

“That is still ample to get out of the Championship. But of course, it looks very different from what they have today. A lot of their better players, or the players they perceive to be the better players probably will leave.”