English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, who were reportedly close to hiring Arne Slott, have not even been in contact with him.
“Tottenham have not been able to agree terms with Feyenoord over the appointment of Slott and have not developed their interest,” Sky Sports reported on Friday (Aug. 25)먹튀검증.
“Tottenham have never spoken directly to Slott or Feyenoord and have always emphasized that we do not comment publicly on people at other clubs,” the source continued. “Slott’s statement this morning means the same thing. It is a fact that there was no direct contact between him and any other club.”
As Slott is under contract with Feyenoord until 2024, Tottenham would have to pay a release clause in order to sign him. According to Sky Sports, there is a clause in Slott’s contract with Feyenoord that requires the club to pay Feyenoord £5 million if he moves to another club.
However, Slott wanted to take some of his coaches, part of his squad, with him to Tottenham, which meant he had to pay twice as much, £10 million, as a penalty. According to Sky Sports, “‘Tottenham hierarchy have told the agent that they are walking away from any potential deal’. They are no longer interested in Slott,” Sky Sports explained.
There’s another reason why Spurs may not be interested in Slott. They claimed that Slott used them in his contract negotiations. “Levy is said to have been told that ‘he feels Slott has used the attention directed at him by Feyenoord for an improved contract’,” Sky Sports reported, adding that “it now looks like Slott will sign a new deal with Feyenoord.”
Son Heung-min and Conte (from left) ⓒYonhap/AP
Tottenham under acting manager Ryan Mason.
Tottenham sacked Antonio Conte in March and handed the reins over to Ryan Mason on an interim basis as they began their search for a new manager.
Former Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino, who led Tottenham in its heyday, was among the names on the shortlist, along with former Bayern Munich manager Juergen Nagelsmann, former Spain manager Luis Enrique, Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner, and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
But Slott quickly rose to the top of the list. His leadership of Feyenoord to their first Dutch Eredivisie title in six years and his penchant for attacking soccer fit the bill of what chairman Daniel Levy was looking for. “Tottenham are close to appointing Slott,” wrote Alasdair Gold of Football London, adding that “Spurs have regrets about not being able to advance their interest in the Tottenham job to then-Ajax boss Tenakh in 2021.” “Tottenham are looking for a progressive, new manager who can play modern football,” said the UK Independent. Some Dutch soccer insiders believe Slott is superior to Manchester United’s Erik ten Bosch, who led Ajax, in that regard. Tottenham are confident of his appointment, saying he meets most of their requirements.
Feyenoord coach Arne Slott raises the trophy after clinching the Dutch Eredivisie title on Friday (June 15). Yonhap/EPA
Feyenoord coach Arne Slott celebrates after winning the Dutch Eredivisie title ⓒYonhap/REUTERS/EPA
Then came the news that Slott’s agent, Raffaele Pimenta, was on the move, making a move to Tottenham only a matter of time. According to Sky Sports, Pimenta told Feyenoord that ‘Slott wants to negotiate with Tottenham’ and ‘let’s discuss ending his contract with Feyenoord’. “In a meeting scheduled for Wednesday (May 25), Pimenta will tell the club that ‘Slott wants the Tottenham job’ and the transfer will happen,” Gold reported.
However, in a meeting with the club the following day, Slott informed the club that he wanted to stay, not move to Tottenham. “I’ve heard a lot of interest in me and a lot of rumors,” Slott said. “I appreciate it, but my wish is to stay at Feyenoord. I want to continue what we achieved last year.”
He also addressed rumors of an imminent move to Tottenham: “There have been no talks with Tottenham. I was only thinking about extending my contract with Feyenoord. I’m looking forward to next season with Feyenoord.”