Robbie Keane gallops into the frame as Spurs’ dark horse to replace Tudor
Tottenham’s summer search for a new boss is already bubbling, and there’s a surprise runner on the rail. While Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi headline the bill, former Spurs hero Robbie Keane has emerged as the ‘dark horse’ to replace caretaker Igor Tudor, according to senior reporter Ben Jacobs. In a season that’s turned sticky, the road out of this mess might just take an unexpected turn.
Survival first, decisions later
Wednesday night did Spurs no favours. West Ham turned over Fulham, Nottingham Forest pinched a point at Manchester City, and suddenly Tottenham are just a single point clear of the bottom three heading into Thursday’s crunch home date with Crystal Palace. Eleven Premier League matches without a win—stretching deep into 2025—has left Tudor firefighting, and the brief is brutally simple: halt the slide and secure safety.
Two front-runners with heavyweight pull
Per Jacobs, Spurs have two primary targets lined up for the summer. Top of the wishlist sit Pochettino and De Zerbi, but both come with caveats. De Zerbi, currently out of work, is unlikely to sign up if Tottenham tumble—especially with potential openings at Manchester United, Liverpool, or even Manchester City whispered in industry circles. As for Pochettino, the Argentine is tied to commitments after managing the USA at their home World Cup, and although he wouldn’t automatically dismiss a Championship project, the salary figures would be a serious hurdle.
Keane’s case for the crown
Enter Robbie Keane, the 45-year-old ex-Spurs striker whose stock is climbing. A title winner with Ferencváros, Keane’s record in Hungary reads well: 42 victories from 69 games, a crisp 61% win rate. Jacobs labels him “one to watch” for the Tottenham gig—particularly if the worst happens and Spurs are planning from the Championship. He’s admired elsewhere too, with Crystal Palace keeping tabs as Oliver Glasner nears the end of his deal.
Make no mistake: survival comes first. If you’re weighing up where this saga lands next—or even the next manager market—have a look at the best betting sites and judge the runners and riders for yourself.
What Tottenham need right now
Tudor, by all accounts, is unlikely to get the keys long-term, so this final stretch is about arresting the rot. He needs urgency and clarity: tighten the gaps out of possession, get legs around the second balls, and coax a bit of bravery on the ball. Crystal Palace at home is no hiding place—N17 demands front-foot football and a result. Find that first win, ease the pulse, and Spurs suddenly look far more attractive to any manager, be it the returning hero, the tactician-in-demand, or the dark horse with a point to prove.
The verdict
Spurs’ shortlist makes sense: star power in Pochettino, cutting-edge coaching in De Zerbi, and a galvanising wildcard in Keane. But the whole conversation is framed by one cold truth—stay up, and the world looks brighter. Drop down, and the dark horse might just bolt to the front.
