'Shark' De Zerbi hopes to drag Spurs up from the depths

Tottenham Hotspur have undergone significant change over the past 12 months, driven by frustration among supporters, with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham leading the club on behalf of the Lewis Family Trust. Venkatesham, alongside sporting director Johan Lange, is spearheading negotiations; Lange remains the only senior figure from the previous regime still in post. They are supported by director of football operations Rafi Moersen and sporting director Dan Lewindon, both of whom arrived from Manchester City’s parent company, City Football Group. Lewindon has been tasked with improving Spurs’ injury record. De Zerbi is hands‑on in every area of the club and declares, “in the transportation market, erstwhile I privation 1 player, I go similar a shark.” He adds, “No accidental to accidental no.” That approach has helped secure deals for £85 million Fernandes from West Ham and £100 million Tonali from Newcastle. “I emotion moving successful the transportation market. It's not a pressure, it's 1 of the nicest parts successful my work, successful my job,” he explained. When asked about his motivation, he said, “I don't know, possibly due to the fact that erstwhile you instrumentality the decision, you instrumentality the responsibility. If the manager calls the player, you tin physique a peculiar transportation astatine the beginning.” Regarding Mateus Fernandes, he noted, “With Mateus Fernandes, I spoke with the mum, with the father.” De Zerbi told Fernandes’ father that he would be his “second dad” and look after him in England. Spurs also signed defender Van Hecke despite reported interest from Chelsea, having already beaten Manchester United and Manchester City to the two record‑breaking midfielders. Transfers are described as a satellite of game theory; insiders told BBC Sport that Spurs knew they had to be aggressive and quick, with the first priority extending to fees, wages and De Zerbi’s personal engagement in courting players. After the 2‑2 draw with Brighton in April, in which Georginio Rutter scored a 95th‑minute equaliser to dent Spurs’ endurance hopes, De Zerbi revealed he messaged Van Hecke, who assisted the