Next Tottenham manager: Levy copies Man Utd as Spurs get ‘serious’ over ‘lesser known’ contender amid Nagelsmann issue

Tottenham are following in the footsteps of Man Utd after a ‘lesser well-known’ coach emerged as a ‘serious’ candidate to become the next Spurs manager, per a report.

The appointment of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford was greeted with excitement in Manchester. However, there were those who questioned whether Man Utd were taking an unnecessary risk in choosing a manager who’d never tested himself in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Ten Hag worked wonders in the Eredivisie with Ajax, though there was a feeling at the time he represented something of a gamble when appointed ahead of higher profile candidates such as Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte.

The Dutchman has quickly proved the doubters wrong, with United ending their six-year trophy drought on his watch. If Man Utd can best near neighbours Man City, a domestic cup double will be secured.

United’s success when appointing a lesser heralded option has been noted by Tottenham who themselves are seeking a new boss this summer.

Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini have both been sacked during the campaign. Ryan Mason will see out the season as interim head coach.

Former Bayern boss, Julian Nagelsmann, has emerged as a key option for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. Nagelsmann was initially in the frame for the Chelsea job, though the Blues look set to appoint Mauricio Pochettino instead.

However, the Telegraph claimed the high cost of appointing Nagelsmann is making Tottenham pause for thought.

A fresh update from ESPN doubles down on the claim prising him out of his Bayern deal (which is still active despite being sacked in March) is an extremely expensive venture.

Instead, ESPN report Spurs ‘don’t want to miss out’ on a ‘lesser well-known’ coach such as Ten Hag who they reportedly rejected the chance to appoint after sacking Jose Mourinho in 2021.

As such, they’re strongly considering Feyenoord’s Arne Slot who is on the cusp of guiding his side to the Eredivisie title.

It’s stated Slot, 44, is emerging as a ‘serious contender’ for the Tottenham job.

There is a clause that can see him join Premier League sides in 2024 without the relevant club having to buy him out of his deal. However, that clause doesn’t activate until next year and as such, Spurs would have to pay compensation to buy him out of Feyenoord.

Doing so would not come close to the cost of appointing Nagelsmann, however.

The report concludes Slot, Nagelsmann and at least one other as yet unidentified candidate are who Levy will choose from.

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