Spurs enter contract talks with ‘one of the best wingers in the world’

Now, if a few things had gone a little differently, Tottenham Hotspur could be preparing for their first season in England’s second tier for nearly 50 years.

But, of course, not since the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi in March. He replaced Igor Tudor, who was fired after everything went wrong, and he himself replaced Thomas Frank in February, who was also fired when everything went wrong.

To call this an inspired appointment would be to ignore the many failures that led ENIC to its desperate decision. With the roll of the dice showing a six in the final stages, Spurs finally regained their form and cohesion, defeating Everton in the final game of the season and being relegated from West Ham United.

But the post-match celebrations were tinged with relief, with Tottenham needing to make a sharp change of direction to avoid another tumultuous season after a consecutive 17th place finish.

Spurs in talks to sign league champion forward

In recent years, Tottenham have released Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson. This last man clearly does not belong in the same bracket as two of the best attackers in Premier League history, but he was the club’s top scorer in 2024/25 with 17 goals in all competitions.

Who would come in and pack the punch the Spurs needed at the start of the short-lived Frank era? It certainly wasn’t Randall Kolo Muani, and the injured duo of Xavi Simmons and Mohamed Kudus also had impressive seasons.

Spurs need goals, not just from their centre-forwards (though even that has proven difficult).

That’s why the Londoners have been approached by Manchester United to sign Marcus Rashford now that the title-winning winger’s loan with Barcelona has ended, according to reports in Spain.

Rashford is currently reluctant to join Spurs, but that could change as time progresses unless suitors such as Barcelona take the bait. He is valued at £26 million, which is a reasonable price and Arsenal are also interested.

Barcelona have signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £69m, but are also reportedly considering signing Rashford on a permanent deal. If they decide to pull out, Spurs are ready to pounce.

Why Rashford could be Spurs’ best winger since Son

Last year, Cristiano Ronaldo sat down with Piers Morgan and discussed various topics. It doesn’t matter, but the legendary forward hailed Rashford as “one of the best wingers in the world” when he was at his best.

Rashford hasn’t always been at his best, but he certainly rediscovered his form in Spain, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions.

For Barcelona, ​​the 28-year-old dismantled Newcastle at St James’ Park. He reminded English football that it was capable of surprising and surpassing the world-class talent touching the same turf.

In this regard, Rashford has the potential to eclipse the influence of the likes of Kudus and Lucas Moura and establish himself as Tottenham’s best winger since Son joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for around £22m.

One would hope that De Zerbi’s attack-minded, possession-based style creates better form for Rashford in front of goal. He only scored six goals in the Premier League last season, but if Spurs can produce a stable and fluent system next year, this could be exceptional business.

Even if Rashford arrives this summer, he won’t have the same legacy for Spurs as Son, but he will have the chance to produce a campaign on par with one of South Korea’s best players.

Rashford has twice scored 17 goals in a season in the top flight for Man United. Like Son, who shared the Golden Boot award with 23 goals in 2021/22, he is yet to cross the 20-goal mark, but this remains a shining example of the England international’s ability to dazzle on a major stage.

Whether he will do so remains to be seen. But if De Zerbi can capture the form that revived Rashford’s career in Spain, fans could be treated to a talent like Son next year, someone who can lead the club back into momentum after their most difficult campaign yet.