Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes Tottenham’s decision to hand Roberto De Zerbi greater authority could create problems further down the line. Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness argued that the club has reacted too quickly to the Italian’s early success and warned that internal tensions are likely to emerge in the future.
Reports suggest De Zerbi has been given significant influence over several areas of the club, including recruitment during the summer transfer window. Wyness feels that granting so much control after only a few months in charge reflects short-term thinking rather than a long-term strategy.
The former Everton CEO, who led the club between 2004 and 2009 and now advises top football clubs through his consultancy, believes Tottenham have gone too far in placing their trust in De Zerbi. He warned that recruiting players specifically suited to one manager’s tactical system could become a major issue if a future managerial change occurs.
According to Wyness, while the current approach could produce positive results in the short term, it also increases the risk of long-term instability. If De Zerbi eventually leaves or falls out with the club, his successor may inherit a squad built for a completely different style of football, creating difficult decisions in the transfer market.
He also suggested De Zerbi currently holds considerable influence behind the scenes, describing his position within the club as politically strong, particularly after successfully guiding Tottenham to Premier League safety. Wyness believes that authority may continue to grow if results remain positive, but warned that problems are likely to surface once performances begin to decline.
Meanwhile, former Tottenham scout Mick Brown has raised concerns over the readiness of teenage defender Luka Vuskovic for Premier League football following his display for Croatia against England. Brighton are reportedly waiting for a response to a £45 million bid for the highly rated 19-year-old, with the Seagulls able to offer a clearer pathway to regular first-team football.
Despite Tottenham strengthening their squad this summer with the arrivals of Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka, Wyness believes the club’s leadership has overreacted by placing too much responsibility in De Zerbi’s hands, warning that the real consequences of that decision may only become apparent in the seasons ahead.
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