Roberto De Zerbi Secures Twelve Million Pound Contract as Tottenham Manager Following Marseille Departure

Roberto De Zerbi joins Tottenham on a massive £12m-a-year deal. See where he ranks among the Premier League’s top earners like Guardiola and Arteta.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 3:44 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

The Financial Stakes of the De Zerbi Appointment

The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur has sent shockwaves through the Premier League's financial landscape. Following his February exit from Marseille—triggered by a heavy 5-0 defeat to rivals PSG—De Zerbi has successfully negotiated a contract that positions him among the elite earners in global football. Tottenham’s management, led by CEO Vinai Venkatesham, has committed to a five-year deal worth £60 million in total salary, plus a seven-figure signing bonus. This aggressive financial commitment comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for the Spurs board, as fans and analysts question the logic of awarding a record-breaking contract to a manager coming off a high-profile sacking.

A New Hierarchy in the Managerial Pay Scale

De Zerbi’s £12 million annual salary significantly alters the Premier League’s top-six managerial pay structure. He now sits comfortably in third place, trailing only Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta. Notably, his earnings are double those of Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe and nearly twice the £6.6 million earned by Liverpool’s Arne Slot. Perhaps most striking is the comparison to the Championship's highest-paid manager, Kieran McKenna, who earns £6m. With no relegation clause present in his contract, Tottenham faces the unprecedented prospect of paying a top-tier salary even if the club’s current struggles lead to a drop in division.

Top Six Best Paid Premier League Managers

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