Erik Ten Hag could be on his way to Spurs, the club responsible for what must be his most heartbreaking defeat ever.
His time at Ajax has been an unqualified success. Nurturing young players such as Matthijs De Ligt, Donny Van de Beek, and Frenkie De Jong, his side plays fantastic football. Playing with a 4-3-3, the old Ajax way, flying forward with pace and verve, it’s a side Johan Cruyff would be proud of. However, it seems he could be moving to London to join up with Tottenham.
In the aftermath of Jose Mourinho’s departure, the North London club have had a horrific week. Losing their premier managerial target in Julian Nagelsmann, as well as the League Cup final was disastrous. There are also questions over the futures of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min. This, on top of losing the income that would have come from the Super League, leaves the North London club in a worrying situation.
Ten Hag however, is used to working on a budget. Unlike their European rivals, Ajax do not have the luxury of a huge budget. Instead they rely on their world-famous scouting system and academy. If Ten Hag can bring his staff with him to the Premier League, it could work in Spurs’ favour. However, this of course will not be easy.
One question hanging over Ten Hag is whether he is the calibre of manager Spurs needs to get back to the top. Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Juventus to name a few have all changed managers since his famous semi-final run.
This could be because of a number of other factors of course. He could have stayed out of loyalty, or Ajax could have merely defied him an exit. However, it is an intriguing side-plot if he does indeed move to Tottenham. Whatever happens, Tottenham’s incumbent manager has a truly incredible task on their hands.
