Feyenoord boss Arne Slot has shocked those at Tottenham by confirming to AD he will stay with the Eredisivie champions, with the Dutchman considered Tottenham’s first-choice option – while Leeds have also been linked.
Slot, 44, has guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title this season – pipping the likes of Ajax and PSV. He also took his side to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, having watched his side lose the Conference League final last term.
He is riding the wave of success and next term, Feyenoord will be in the Champions League. Tottenham had made him their first-choice option in the last few days, with talks for Mauricio Pochettino and Julian Nagelsmann failing.
The Athletic recently said that if Leeds stayed in the Premier League, it would be ‘likely’ that the club re-ignite their interest in Slot. A man that rejected Leeds in February, when Victor Orta searched for a Jesse Marsch replacement.
But of course, Tottenham were front-runners. Marcel van der Kraan recently told TalkSPORT that he was keen on a move to Leeds – and would love to join Spurs. But it appears Slot has made a big decision – to stay at Feyenoord.
“I have heard a lot about the interest of other clubs in me,” Slot said. “I am grateful for the appreciation that this expresses, but my wish is to stay with Feyenoord and continue to build on the foundations that have been laid.
“There are no transfer talks going on and there have been none. Yesterday’s discussion was solely about a possible extension. All conversations with Feyenoord are only aimed at that. I look forward to the new season at Feyenoord.”
Arne Slot shocks Tottenham and Leeds by staying at Feyenoord
It is a massive surprise. Having won the League, it was widely expected that Slot would be moving to England. He had done what he needed to do with Feyenoord, and has spoken in the past of dreaming of a Premier League move.
But perhaps, the lure of managing Feyenoord in the Champions League – having been the man to guide them into that competition – has proven too good to be true. It is a big call, he might not get the chance to do so again.
