Tottenham Hotspur, after almost three months without a manager, have finally announced that ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno Espirito Santo will take over in North London next season.
✍️ Welcome to Tottenham Hotspur, Nuno Espírito Santo.#WelcomeNuno
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 30, 2021
Santo was far from their first choice originally, with several managers having been sounded out ahead of his appointment.
❌ Nagelsmann
❌ Rodgers
❌ Flick
❌ Allegri
❌ Ten Hag
❌ Pochettino
❌ Conte
❌ Fonseca
❌ GattusoWho will Tottenham appoint as their next manager? 🤨
— Goal (@goal) June 18, 2021
However, journalist Fabrizio Romano suggested that upon the appointment of new Director of Football Fabio Paritici, Nuno became first choice, with Paritici having wanted the Portuguese boss at Juventus last season before Andrea Pirlo was appointed.
Nuno was not in Spurs plans – then Paratici arrival as new director of football changed the situation. Nuno was on his list at Juve, one year ago. ⚪️ #THFC
Paratici says: “Nuno has ability to take a group of players an adaptive style that brings success and helps to develop”. pic.twitter.com/Cuf91faq2b
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2021
New players on the horizon
Romano has reiterated Daniel Levy’s desire to keep hold of Harry Kane, Tottenham’s talismanic striker that seemingly wants out this summer.
Beyond that, new players are now the priority with
Tottenham director Paratici now at work for Nuno. Levy still intentioned to keep Harry Kane. ⚪️ #THFC
Son expected to extend his contract soon.
Talks ongoing with Bologna for Tomiyasu offering €18m [add ons included].
Spurs have also J. Koundé and J. Andersen in their list.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 30, 2021
Takehiro Tomiyasu is one defender on Levy’s wishlist. The Japanese international currently plays for Serie A side Bologna, and is adept both at centre back and right-back, something that makes him an incredibly intruiging prospect.
22-years-old, Tomiyasu appeared 31 times for the Italian side last campaign, providing two goals in the process.
Centre back is an area that needs significant reinforcement for the Lilywhites this summer, with Toby Alderweireld now well past his best and neither Davinson Sanchez nor Eric Dier impressing in defence.
As a result, it is not surprising to see more names linked.
Jules Kounde, Sevilla’s highly rated Frenchman, is on their wishlist, although any deal for the youngster seems unlikely given Tottenham’s lack of either Champions or Europa League football.
Jules Kounde of Sevilla in action during the pre-season friendly match between Sevilla CF and UD Levante at Pinatar Arena on September 15, 2020 in Murcia, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
On the other hand, Joachim Andersen, currently at Lyon, seems much more attainable. The Danish international impressed on loan at Fulham, despite ultimately being unable to prevent the Cottagers from being relegated.
Whoever the targets are for Tottenham Hotspur this summer, it will certainly now be easier with a manager in charge.
