Many football managers want to stick with what they know, so with that in mind, here are five Marseille players Roberto De Zerbi may look to sign for Tottenham
For the next two months, Roberto De Zerbi will have to work with whatever Tottenham Hotspur stars are at his disposal. The Italian is dealing with the same injury crisis which blighted the brief reigns of Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor.
With Spurs only one point above those dreaded dotted lines, De Zerbi cannot afford to look beyond this Premier League campaign. A woefully poor season could become historically disastrous if he does not hit the ground running.
However, the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion manager is a confident man who will more than expect to drag Tottenham to safety. His self-belief may even prompt him to look ahead to this summer’s transfer market, where some of his former players could be on his transfer list.
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De Zerbi did some impressive things in Marseille, even if his reign was abruptly cut short after a shock Champions League exit and a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. At times, the French side played some entertaining football under his stewardship.
Perhaps in a bid to replicate his unique style, he may look to arrange some reunions with some of his ex-Marseille players. Here are five players he may look to sign for Tottenham this summer.
Geronimo Rulli
The former Manchester City goalkeeper has been a constant presence in goal for the French side. With Guglielmo Vicario being linked with a move back to Italy and Antonin Kinsky struggling on his debut, De Zerbi may look for a solid goalkeeper who can handle his style.
Rulli may be the experienced and reliable head Tottenham have been craving between the sticks. With his contract expiring next summer, he may also be an affordable signing for the club.
Quinten Timber
If De Zerbi decides he wants to bring Quinten Timber with him to Tottenham, a sibling rivalry would be added to next year’s North London Derby. The Dutchman is the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber.
Quinten has been a reliable presence at Marseille this year, impressing in the French side’s midfield as well as for his national team. Spurs have looked flaky in the midfield all season, and if De Zerbi wants someone who already knows his style of football, Quinten may be the perfect addition.
Arthur Vermeeren
On the subject of midfielders who understand and thrive in De Zerbi’s style, Arthur Vermeeren may be a great target for Tottenham. The young Belgian looked like a star in the making under the Italian.
Considering the way De Zerbi wants his midfield stars to be pressing machines as well as technicians, the Belgium U21s international may be eyed as a long-term signing. Spurs have a lot of midfield engines in Joao Palhinha, Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and others, but Vermeeren would bring something different to their midfield.
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Timothy Weah
Last summer, Timothy Weah was briefly linked with a move to Tottenham when Thomas Frank was in charge. With his former manager De Zerbi now at the helm, a move may be more likely.
Weah arrived at Marseille from Juventus last summer and has gone on to contribute three goals and four assists. However, his value may be in his versatility, as he has featured at right-back, left-back, right midfield and left wing under De Zerbi.
Given Tottenham’s worrying injury record, the prospect of signing a player who can feature out wide in defence and in the forward line may be palatable to the Spurs board. If De Zerbi harbours belief in him, the club may make a more serious attempt at signing him.
Benjamin Pavard
The French World Cup winner may not be considered the world-class force he was when he played at Bayern Munich, but he now appears to be over his injury issues and has been a key player at the Stade Velodrome.
At the age of 30, he still has many years ahead of him, and with the futures of Micky van de Venn and Cristian Romero uncertain, the Frenchman may be just the leader Tottenham will need at the end of the campaign.
