Tottenham Hotspur has made the somewhat controversial decision to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach. The Italian manager, who had initially intended to wait until the summer before taking charge, has agreed to a long-term deal with the club. Despite Spurs' precarious position in the Premier League, De Zerbi is expected to focus on securing survival in the final seven games of the season, while also planning for a significant overhaul of the squad this summer.
A Challenging Start for De Zerbi at Spurs
De Zerbi takes over a Tottenham squad that is currently plagued by injuries and underperformance. With key players struggling to find their form, the new coach will have to hit the ground running to steer the team away from relegation. Spurs’ top striker, Dominic Solanke, has scored only six goals this season, highlighting the urgent need for a new centre-forward. Solanke’s struggles, combined with the disappointing performances of on-loan players like Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison, have left the club searching for solutions up front.
Looking ahead, Tottenham's focus is likely to be on securing a top-class striker to replace the outgoing players and reinforce their attacking options. De Zerbi's tactics and style of play, which emphasize attacking football, will be crucial in shaping the squad for the future.
Spurs Eye £55m Marcos Leonardo Deal for Summer
One of the primary targets for De Zerbi and Tottenham this summer could be Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo. The 22-year-old forward has been highly impressive during his time at Saudi side Al Hilal, and reports suggest that both Tottenham and Liverpool are interested in securing his signature. The young forward, who previously played for Benfica, is said to be considering an exit from Saudi Arabia after spending nearly two years with Al Hilal. Although the club is under no pressure to sell, a significant offer of around £55m could be enough to secure his services.
Leonardo’s potential move to Spurs would bring a dynamic and mobile forward to the team, perfectly fitting into De Zerbi’s attack-minded setup. Leonardo’s style of play, similar to that of Joao Pedro, who thrived under De Zerbi at Brighton, would provide the new coach with an exciting attacking option for the future.
Why Leonardo Could Be De Zerbi’s Next Success Story
De Zerbi is known for getting the best out of his strikers, as seen in his previous roles at Brighton and Marseille. At Brighton, he helped the young Evan Ferguson flourish, while at Marseille, he revived Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s career. De Zerbi’s ability to develop young attacking talent could make Leonardo the next success story in his managerial career.
A 3 minute double by Marcos Leonardo 🇧🇷🔥#RoshnSaudiLeague pic.twitter.com/lJQwXxYhVY
— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) January 11, 2025
Leonardo, who has scored 44 goals in 72 appearances for Al Hilal, has been a standout performer in the Saudi Pro League. His impressive performances, including a stellar showing at the 2023 Club World Cup, where he scored four goals in five matches, have attracted attention from top European clubs. His ability to score goals, as well as his fluid movement on the field, makes him a perfect fit for De Zerbi’s tactical approach.
While Leonardo may not be the direct replacement for Harry Kane, his arrival could provide the much-needed spark for Spurs’ attack. After a season of mixed fortunes in the striking department, De Zerbi and Spurs are determined to make changes in the summer, and Marcos Leonardo could be the answer to their forward woes.
In conclusion, Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Tottenham Hotspur. With a focus on survival in the short term and long-term squad improvements, the club’s transfer strategy will be key to their success in the coming seasons. The potential acquisition of Marcos Leonardo could be the first step in rebuilding Spurs’ attacking lineup, with the 22-year-old forward fitting perfectly into De Zerbi’s philosophy of fast, attacking football.
