The most explosive tactical mind in European football is officially back on the market, and he’s heading straight for the departure lounge in Marseille.
As of Thursday, February 12, 2026, reports from The i Paper and Ben Jacobs confirm that Roberto De Zerbi is "determined" to return to the Premier League following his sudden exit from Olympique de Marseille.
The timing couldn’t be more cinematic. De Zerbi left the French club by mutual consent on February 11, just hours after Tottenham Hotspur officially sacked Thomas Frank. Now, the "De Zerbi to Spurs" rumors have reached a fever pitch.
The "Spurs" Factor: A Match Made in Heaven?
Tottenham fans are desperate for a tactical identity, and De Zerbi’s "all-or-nothing" build-up play might be the perfect antidote to the frustration of the Thomas Frank era.
The Frontrunner: De Zerbi has immediately emerged as the 6/4 bookmakers' favorite to take the vacant seat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The "Rejection" Twist: Interestingly, reports suggest De Zerbi is ready to snub interest from Manchester United (who are reportedly monitoring him as a summer replacement for interim boss Michael Carrick) to take the Spurs job immediately.
Recruitment Influence: Sources indicate that the departures of Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici from key footballing roles have made the Spurs project more appealing to the Italian, who craves significant influence over transfers.
Why the Premier League is Calling
Despite a second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, De Zerbi’s final months in France were turbulent, ending with a crushing 5-0 defeat to PSG. However, his reputation in England remains "bulletproof" due to his historic work at Brighton.
Roberto De Zerbi (January 2026): "The Premier League is different to any other league in the world... I feel my work in England is not finished."
The Verdict: This feels like a "sliding doors" moment for Tottenham. By moving for De Zerbi now, they could secure a world-class coach before Manchester United or City have the chance to formalize their summer plans. If the deal is signed before the North London Derby (Feb 22), the Premier League is about to get a lot more interesting.