Harry Redknapp predicts Tottenham’s return to top six under Roberto De Zerbi despite criticism of transfer strategy

Harry Redknapp believes Tottenham Hotspur can make an immediate return to the Premier League’s top six under Roberto De Zerbi, despite heavily criticising the club’s recent recruitment strategy.

The former Spurs manager claims the north London club have spent vast sums on players who have failed to justify their price tags, contributing to two disastrous seasons spent battling relegation.

However, Redknapp is convinced De Zerbi’s demanding approach can quickly transform Tottenham’s fortunes.

De Zerbi credited with restoring standards

Tottenham turned to De Zerbi in March after difficult spells under Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor left the club fighting for survival.

The Italian arrived with the club in serious danger and successfully guided Spurs to safety, although their Premier League status was not secured until the final day of the campaign.

His arrival is widely viewed as the beginning of a major rebuild, with significant changes expected both on and off the pitch this summer.

Redknapp questions recent recruitment

Speaking to GOAL in association with BuzzBallz, Redknapp did not hold back when discussing Tottenham’s transfer dealings over recent seasons.

“They need a big change. They need to change that squad,” he said.

“The manager, I don’t know him personally, but I like what I see of him. I think he’ll come in and he won’t stand for what they’ve done over the last two years.

“He’ll push them and change them. If they’re not good enough, they’ll be gone.”

Redknapp believes the club’s recruitment department bears significant responsibility for Tottenham’s decline.

“He’s relying on recruitment. Whoever was doing the recruitment over the last couple of years has not been very good at doing it.”

Millions spent on players who failed to deliver

The former Portsmouth and West Ham manager pointed to Tottenham’s expensive transfer activity as evidence of poor decision-making.

“They have bought players in and I don’t even know who half of them are, to be honest,” Redknapp said.

“Sixty million here, fifty million there, seventy million there. Average players who haven’t performed.”

The criticism reflects growing frustration among supporters after a series of costly signings failed to produce consistent results on the pitch.

Tottenham labelled ‘lucky’ to avoid relegation

Redknapp believes Spurs were fortunate to preserve their Premier League status after another disappointing campaign.

After finishing 17th for a second consecutive season, he argued that circumstances helped keep the club above the relegation zone.

“They were so lucky not to go down this year,” he said.

“They got the biggest break of all when they went to Aston Villa and Villa put out a very average team, mostly reserves.

“That was probably the worst performance I’ve seen from a Premier League team this season.

“They caught Villa at exactly the right time before their European semi-final, and that win really kept them up.”

Top-six prediction despite recent struggles

Despite his criticism, Redknapp remains optimistic about Tottenham’s future under De Zerbi.

The experienced coach believes the Italian’s standards, personality and tactical approach can quickly restore competitiveness at the club.

“Overall this year they’ve been shocking, absolutely shocking, and they got away with it,” Redknapp added.

“But I do think this fella will push them on.

“I think next year they’ll finish in the top six.”

Such a turnaround would represent one of the biggest recoveries in recent Premier League history, with Tottenham looking to move from survival battles back into contention for European qualification under their new manager.