Tottenham Hotspur have a new manager at long, long last having appointed Nuno Espirito Santo on Wednesday night.
More than two months after Jose Mourinho’s exit, Tottenham’s often farcical search for a new boss has come to an end.
The move hasn’t come without question marks, but Tottenham fans will now be hoping for the best from Nuno.
The Portuguese boss has been out of work since leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of last season, and immediately walks back into the Premier League.
Players who have thrived under Nuno
At Wolves, Nuno turned Conor Cody into a very solid centre back having previously been a midfielder, with some parallels to Eric Dier.
Now-Tottenham ace Matt Doherty was a superb wing back for Nuno at Wolves, whilst Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho were a fine partnership, keeping the ball well.
Diogo Jota’s fine displays under Nuno saw him earn a move to Liverpool, whilst Raul Jimenez and Pedro Neto have both been sensational in the Wolves attack with Nuno at the helm.
Developing those players should give Tottenham fans hope that Nuno can do the same in North London, with a number of players needing some guidance after stalling under Mourinho.
Tottenham fans want Neto
Many Tottenham fans were just happy to get a manager sorted, but some also looked towards a player Nuno could bring in.
Tottenham fans posted tweet after tweet urging Nuno to bring winger Neto with him to North London, having seen the Portuguese wide man rack up five goals and six assists last season.
Some believe Tottenham ‘deserve’ to have Neto playing for them, dreaming of a front three featuring Son Heung-min, Harry Kane and Pedro Neto.
Is Neto to Tottenham realistic?
Tough to call. Nuno’s presence at Tottenham could help Spurs if they do want Neto, which may well add up.
Tuttosport reported in March that Juventus wanted to sign Neto. Fabio Paratici was still in charge of Juve’s transfers then, but he isn’t anymore.
No, Paratici is now at Tottenham, serving as their director of football.
Paratici has strong ties to Neto’s agent Jorge Mendes, which is what was driving the Juventus rumours, and that may give Tottenham some hope.
The Sun claimed in March that Neto would cost £50million to prise away from Wolves, and that would take up a pretty huge chunk of Tottenham’s budget.
Add in that Neto is injured with a damaged knee cap – a blow that could keep him out until October or even January – then it’s hard to see a deal happening this summer.
Neto is a truly outstanding talent and has the world at his feet. Whether his future is at Tottenham remains to be seen, but Spurs fans are clearly dreaming of a move.
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