Next Tottenham manager: Fabrizio Romano names two names “high on shortlist” to replace Ange
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for a significant transition as they gear up for a demanding 2025/26 season that includes a return to Champions League football.
Despite achieving continental success under Ange Postecoglou by lifting the Europa League trophy—marking a major milestone for the club after a 17-year trophy drought—the Australian manager has been dismissed.
In their official statement, the club acknowledged the historical importance of his achievement but emphasized the need for a shift in direction to stay competitive across all fronts.
The statement made clear that the club’s ambitions extend beyond sentimentality. Spurs highlighted that while winning a European trophy is a landmark achievement, the broader trajectory of the team under Postecoglou failed to meet the board’s expectations.
Tottenham noted that after a promising start to the 2023/24 Premier League season, they managed only 78 points from the following 66 league matches, culminating in their worst-ever Premier League finish.
The club acknowledged that circumstances such as injuries and a deliberate focus on the Europa League campaign affected domestic results, but ultimately concluded that these factors did not justify maintaining the status quo.
In addressing the decision to part ways with Postecoglou, Tottenham expressed gratitude for his commitment over two years, recognizing him as only the third manager in club history to win a European trophy.
He now shares a place in Spurs’ legacy alongside iconic names like Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw. However, the board voted unanimously in favor of a managerial change, citing the necessity of a new approach to maximize their potential in the upcoming season and ensure long-term success.
The departure of Postecoglou, which reportedly cost Spurs around £4 million in compensation, has triggered speculation over his successor.
Notably, the club has not yet appointed a replacement, but several names have surfaced as front-runners. Among the leading candidates are Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Fulham’s Marco Silva—two managers who have earned admiration for their tactical acumen and ability to produce competitive sides despite operating with limited budgets.
According to trusted football journalist Fabrizio Romano, both men remain high on Tottenham’s shortlist and are being actively considered. A final decision is expected to arrive soon as the club pushes to have a new figure in place ahead of preseason preparations.
Frank appears to be the frontrunner, with Sky Sports naming him as the likeliest appointment. He is currently under contract at Brentford until 2027, which means that Tottenham would need to negotiate a compensation package if they decide to secure his services.
The Danish manager has gained significant respect for his work at Brentford, where he has maintained Premier League stability and guided the team to several impressive results, often punching above their weight.
His methodical, disciplined style of play and reputation for developing talent could align well with Tottenham’s vision moving forward.
Marco Silva also remains in contention. The Fulham boss recently reaffirmed his commitment to Craven Cottage despite interest from other clubs and a tempting offer from the Saudi Pro League.
His decision to stay in the Premier League may have left the door open for a potential move to North London, provided Fulham and Spurs can agree on terms.
Silva has instilled a consistent structure and tactical maturity in Fulham’s squad and is known for his adaptable approach, which could appeal to a Spurs board looking for a more pragmatic and steady influence.
Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola has also emerged as a potential candidate. Though slightly more of an outsider, Iraola has impressed many with his progressive playing style and his ability to organize defensively resilient teams while promoting attacking intent.
The Spaniard has turned Bournemouth into a team capable of challenging traditional mid-table boundaries and has attracted attention from clubs seeking innovation on the touchline.
Tottenham’s financial standing has improved thanks to Champions League qualification, giving them an edge when it comes to attracting managerial talent. The associated revenue allows for greater flexibility in both the managerial market and summer squad reinforcements.
Whichever direction Spurs choose, they will expect their next manager to deliver both domestically and in Europe, particularly after the disappointment of their most recent Premier League campaign.
The next few days are expected to be pivotal for Tottenham Hotspur. While they have successfully returned to Europe’s top competition and broken their trophy drought, the board clearly views this moment as an inflection point. The managerial appointment that follows will need to strike a balance between tactical sophistication, squad development, and an ability to navigate the demanding schedule that Champions League football entails. The new era at Spurs will begin not with celebration over past achievements, but with the focus and urgency of a club determined to reestablish itself among the Premier League’s elite.