Tottenham is one of the world’s most valuable football clubs despite the fact that trophies are few and far between. – Forbes believes they are worth £2.6 billion, which puts them in 9th place among the world’s most valuable clubs. Others believe they are worth more as much as £4 billion.
There are rumours of negotiations about a sale, main owner Joe Lewis is 89 years old and concerned with completely different things than football. “His lack of commitment and interest is an important reason why Tottenham are where they are today. Lewis, who is said to be worth £5 billion, will lose big money if the London club are relegated.
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Out of the Champions League, out of the Cup and a smaller share of TV revenues due to low position in the table already have a negative impact on revenues and thus value. – There is talk of a decline in value for any new owners even before a possible relegation of £500 million and a full billion if they go
Roberto De Zerbi’s first game as Tottenham manager ended in defeat – now the team is in deep crisis
Roberto De Zerbi’s debut as new manager at Tottenham Hotspur started with a defeat away to Sunderland, sending Spurs even deeper into relegation trouble.
The Italian De Zerbi took over after his predecessor, Igor Tudor, was sacked after only 44 days in the job. But it was the same old story for Spurs, who still fail to win in the Premier League – the winless streak is now 14 games, and the team still hasn’t won a single league game in 2026.
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De Zerbi’s new team lacked neither effort nor will, but the quality was glaringly absent. The goal that started the slump summed up a messy game: Nordi Mukiele shot from 20 yards, the ball got a great direction from Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, leaving goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky completely without a chance.
Spurs also lost captain Cristian Romero after he was pushed away by goalkeeper Kinsky by Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.
The result leaves Spurs in a relegation place, two points behind West Ham United after the Hammers’ 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.
Spurs analysis: No immediate effect for De Zerbi
Roberto De Zerbi has no time to lose if he is to save Spurs from the disgrace of relegation, but he was unable to lift the relegation clouds hanging over this big club on another grey day.
Spurs will now have to make up for a two-point gap to West Ham United with only six games remaining. On Wearside, De Zerbi saw a team performance that was frighteningly devoid of inspiration.
Sunderland were arguably the most organised and dangerous team. Dominic Solanke wasted Spurs’ best chance just before half-time when his shot was blocked at the near post.
De Zerbi was about to make substitutions as Sunderland took the lead with a goal that often sums up the fate of a team in crisis: a perfectly ordinary shot from Nordi Mukiele that took a huge direction on Micky van de Ven and fooled Antonin Kinsky.
Spurs were also unlucky to lose key defender and captain Cristian Romero after the collision with goalkeeper Kinsky – the Argentine walked off the pitch in tears.
De Zerbi must have been concerned about the lack of reaction from Spurs after they fell behind. It is a clear sign of a lack of faith in one’s own abilities and self-confidence.
There is no getting around how serious the situation is for Spurs – and they will have to perform much better than this in their next home game against De Zerbi’s old club Brighton.
The fact that Spurs have not won a single Premier League game since their win away to Crystal Palace on December 28 gives little reason for optimism.
Sunderland analysis: The black cats impress again
Sunderland started this season as newly promoted Premier League newcomers, and many predicted that they would quickly go straight back down.
Instead, the Black Cats, under the wise leadership of Regis Le Bris, have not only survived – they have flourished. The team is in the top ten and deserves to be mentioned in the discussion about European qualification.
Sunderland were clearly the better team here, and were only held back by a lot of poor decisions in attacking situations that prevented them from giving the final score an even more convincing feel.
In the middle of it all stood 33-year-old Granit Xhaka, an inspiring summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen. He glues together the Sunderland team.
Xhaka rarely wastes a pass, is always available and exudes a calmness and a routine that is absolutely crucial.
Sunderland handled Spurs with relative ease and thus continue their outstanding season.
What happens next with these teams?
Sunderland travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League next Sunday (15:00 CET), while Spurs play at home to Brighton on Saturday (18:30 CET).
