Timothy Weah (L) walks past Roberto De Zerbi
Roberto De Zerbi may look to reunite with some of his former players (Image: AFP or licensors)
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For the next two months, Roberto De Zerbi will need to utilise whatever Tottenham Hotspur players are available to him. The Italian is grappling with the same injury crisis which plagued the short tenures of Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor. With Spurs just one point above the relegation zone, De Zerbi cannot afford to consider anything beyond this Premier League season.
A woefully inadequate campaign could become historically catastrophic if he fails to make an immediate impact. Nevertheless, the former Brighton and Hove Albion boss is a self-assured individual who will fully expect to guide Tottenham to safety.
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His confidence may even encourage him to consider this summer's transfer window, where some of his previous players could feature on his shopping list. In an attempt to recreate his distinctive tactical approach, he could potentially push for reunions with some of his former Marseille players.
Here are five players he may target for Tottenham this summer:
Geronimo Rulli
The former Manchester City shot-stopper has been an ever-present figure between the posts for the French outfit. With Guglielmo Vicario being touted for a return to Italy and Antonin Kinsky faltering on his debut, De Zerbi might seek a dependable goalkeeper capable of adapting to his philosophy.
Rulli could be the seasoned and trustworthy presence Tottenham have been desperately seeking in goal. With his deal running down next summer, he might also represent a cost-effective acquisition for the club.
Moreover, if the club believe in Kinsky, Rulli could be the reliable No. 2 option to push the young Czech shot-stopper or be there as a back-up.
De Zerbi and Rulli
Rulli will already have De Zerbi's trust (Image: 2025 Jean Catuffe)
Quinten Timber
Should De Zerbi opt to bring Quinten Timber with him to Tottenham, a family rivalry would be introduced to next season's North London Derby. The Dutchman is the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber.
Quinten has been a consistent performer at Marseille this campaign, excelling in the French club's midfield as well as for his country. Spurs have appeared vulnerable in midfield throughout the season, and if De Zerbi desires someone already familiar with his footballing approach, Timber might be the ideal recruit.
Arthur Vermeeren
On the topic of midfielders who could flourish in De Zerbi's system, Arthur Vermeeren could be an excellent target for Tottenham. The young Belgian appeared a budding talent under the Italian.
Given the way De Zerbi demands his midfield players to function as pressing machines as well as technically gifted operators, the Belgium U21 international could be viewed as a long-term acquisition.
Spurs possess plenty of midfield workhorses in Joao Palhinha, Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and others, yet Vermeeren would offer something distinct to their engine room.
Timothy Weah
Last summer, Timothy Weah was briefly touted for a switch to Tottenham, but with his former boss De Zerbi now in charge, a transfer may appear more feasible. Weah joined Marseille from Juventus last summer and has since contributed three goals and four assists.
However, his worth may lie in his adaptability, having appeared at right-back, left-back, right midfield and left wing under De Zerbi. Given Tottenham's alarming injury record, the notion of recruiting a player capable of operating across the defensive flanks and in the forward line may appeal to the Spurs board.
Benjamin Pavard
The French World Cup winner may no longer be regarded as the world-class force he was during his time at Bayern Munich, but he now appears to have put his injury troubles behind him and has proven himself a pivotal figure at the Stade Velodrome.
At 30 years of age, he still has considerable years ahead of him, and with the futures of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero in doubt, the Frenchman could prove to be precisely the commanding presence Tottenham will require come the end of the season.