Spurs enter talks to sign “one of the best wingers in the world”

Right now, had a few things been a little bit different, Tottenham Hotspur could be preparing for their first season in England’s second tier for nearly five decades.

But they’re not, of course, after Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival in March. He replaced Igor Tudor, who was dismissed after it all went wrong, who himself replaced Thomas Frank in February, and he was sacked after it all went wrong too.

To call it an inspired appointment would be to turn away from the many failings that led ENIC to that desperate decision. The late roll of the dice turned a pair of sixes, and Spurs finally found some form and togetherness, beating Everton on the final game of the season to relegate West Ham United.

The post-match celebrations were tinged with relief, though, and after back-to-back 17th-place finishes, Tottenham need to make a sharp turn to avoid yet another season of turmoil.

Spurs in talks for league-winning forward

In recent years, Tottenham have sold Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and Brennan Johnson. The last man there is obviously not in the same bracket as two of the Premier League’s greatest-ever attackers, but he was the club’s top scorer in 2024/25, with 17 goals in all competitions.

Who came in and packed the punch Spurs needed at the start of the short-lived Frank era? It certainly wasn’t Randal Kolo Muani, and neither have injured duo Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus enjoyed impressive seasons.

Spurs need goals, and not just from the centre-forward (though even that has proved difficult).

That’s why the Londoners have made enquiries to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United now that the winger’s title-winning loan with Barcelona has concluded, according to reports in Spain.

Rashford is currently unwilling to join Spurs, but that could change as the window progresses, should suitors like Barcelona not take the bait. He is valued at £26m, so this would be an affordable deal, and Arsenal are also keen.

Barcelona have signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £69m, but they will still consider signing Rashford on a permanent deal. If they decide to pull out, Spurs are in line to pounce.

Why Rashford could be Spurs’ best winger since Son

Last year, Cristiano Ronaldo sat down with Piers Morgan and discussed a range of subjects. That’s immaterial, but the legendary forward did hail Rashford as “one of the best wingers in the world” when at his best.

Rashford has not always been at his best, but he certainly rediscovered his form in Spain, scoring 14 goals and supplying 14 assists across all competitions.

For Barcelona, the 28-year-old dismantled Newcastle at St. James’ Park. He reminded English football of his capacity to dazzle and outshine world-class talents touching the same grass.

In this, Rashford has the potential to establish himself as Tottenham’s finest winger since Son joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen for around £22m in 2015, eclipsing the impact of Kudus, Lucas Moura and the like.

You’d hope that De Zerbi’s attack-oriented possession-based style could give rise to Rashford’s better form in front of goal. Last season, he only scored six times in the Premier League, but if Spurs can produce a stable and fluent system next year, this could be an exceptional piece of business.

Rashford wouldn’t leave Spurs with the same legacy as Son, should he join this summer, but he would have the chance to produce a campaign on a level with one of the South Korean’s finest.

Twice, Rashford has scored 17 times in a single top-flight season for Man United. He hasn’t passed the 20-goal threshold, as Son did in 2021/22 when he bagged 23 goals and shared the Golden Boot, but this is still a shining example of the England international’s capacity to dazzle on the major stage.

Whether he does so remains to be seen. But if De Zerbi manages to capture the form that has resurrected Rashford’s career over in Spain, fans might just be treated to a Son-esque talent next year, someone who can fire this club back into the ascendancy after the most difficult of campaigns.