Arne Slot emerges as Tottenham target with agent in talks and return 'certain' in 2027

Arne Slot is being considered for the Tottenham Hotspur managerial role, according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, with the 48-year-old’s agent Rafaela Pimenta reportedly in regular contact with clubs across Europe. The report states it is “certain” Slot will return to a major European club in 2027.

The links emerge as Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi continues to face scrutiny at the club. De Zerbi took over from Igor Tudor midway through last season and oversaw a significant summer rebuild, but results have been inconsistent and the Italian has publicly questioned his players’ commitment. Tottenham claimed their first win of the current season against Coventry City on Monday, offering some temporary relief.

Slot is currently working as a technical observer at UEFA, using his time away from club management to assess tactical trends across European football. His agent’s activity suggests a return to the dugout is being actively planned rather than passively awaited.

The Dutchman’s managerial record is substantial. He won the Eredivisie with Feyenoord in 2023 and guided the Rotterdam club to the inaugural UEFA Conference League final, where they were beaten by José Mourinho’s Roma. He then moved to Liverpool, where he lifted the Premier League title in his debut season after succeeding Jürgen Klopp.

His second campaign at Anfield proved far more difficult. Liverpool slumped to fifth in the table, Slot was reported to have lost the dressing room, and Mohamed Salah was allowed to leave when his contract was terminated. Slot subsequently departed the club.

More recently, Slot had been linked with the Netherlands national team vacancy, but the Dutch Football Association opted instead for Xavi Hernandez.

De Telegraaf’s report also mentions Robin van Persie as a candidate at Nottingham Forest, where Oliver Glasner is experiencing a difficult start. For now, Tottenham’s immediate focus turns to a Premier League trip to Chelsea.