Tottenham can get revenge on Xabi Alonso for snubbing job by stealing key man

Tottenham can get revenge on Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso by stealing key defender Jonathan Tah from the German side. Alonso ruled himself out of a move to north London last month after reportedly becoming Spurs’ first-choice managerial target.

Tottenham are on the hunt for a new manager after Antonio Conte departed the club in March ahead of the expiration of his contract. Interim boss Cristian Stellini endured a dismal spell during his brief time in charge before ex-midfielder Ryan Mason oversaw the side until the end of the season.

A whole host of names have been linked with the top job at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But with speculation about a move for Alonso heating up last month, the former Liverpool star said: “I’m happy here with the team (Bayer Leverkusen) and the club. I’m not worried about my future.”

And when asked if he would remain in the BayArena dugout next season, the 41-year-old replied: “That’s correct.”

Tottenham have since turned their attentions to alternative candidates for the job, with Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou now the overwhelming favourite to take the helm. And Spurs may have the final say in the Alonso story as they attempt to prise Tah away from Germany.

According to BILD, Tottenham are searching for defensive reinforcements this summer and Tah is a player fitting the profile. Tah, who has won 16 caps for Germany, made 33 Bundesliga appearances during the 2022/23 campaign and helped Leverkusen finish sixth in the table. But he is keen to leave the club this summer following eight years at the BayArena and is pushing for a change.

Tah is contracted to his current employers until 2025 but has a release clause which would allow him to leave this summer for just £15.5million if it is triggered before the start of July. And Spurs could now do all they can to prise the 27-year-old away from his homeland as they look to make amends for their disappointing season.

The north London giants began their campaign in imperious form as they lost just two of their first 11 Premier League matches. They appeared to be well and truly in the title race during the early part of the season as they put pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table. But the Lilywhites fell away either side of the World Cup following a dismal run of form. And they ultimately had to settle for an eighth-place top-flight finish after exiting the cup competitions in the early rounds.