Daniel Levy said “not in a million years” did he see signs during his tenure as Tottenham chairman that the club could end up facing a relegation battle.
Speaking to the Press Association at an investment event at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, Levy, who stepped down after almost 25 years in September, said “downsizing is not something we ever thought about” when he oversaw the £1billion Tottenham Hotspur Stadium development in 2019.
Spurs are two points off the Premier League’s relegation zone, having picked up just 38 points from 36 games so far this season, taking until April 25 to win a league game in 2026.
Asked how he felt about the club’s place in the league, he said: “It’s nothing… but I’m hoping we’ll stay in the Premier League.”
He replied “none, no, not in a million years” when asked if he saw any signs that the club would eventually be relegated.
Although the team is not playing well in the league, Levy said he will continue to attend the games, adding: “It’s in my blood.”
Levy was made a CBE by the Prince of Wales for services to charity and the community of Tottenham, supporting education, health and social inclusion and creating jobs through the development of the stadium.
“I think Tottenham fans should be proud that the club has made such a great contribution to the local community,” he said.
Having managed Tottenham for 24 years, Levy was the Premier League’s longest-serving chairman, but was criticized by fans for putting the club’s business ahead of success on the pitch.
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If Spurs stay, Levy’s successors have the unenviable task of turning the club around to move up the table next season under Roberto De Zerbi, and are now holding talks over their first signing of the summer.
CEO goes to London for Spurs transfer talks
According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, Sassuolo’s chief executive, Giovanni Carnevali, went to London recently to discuss the sale of Tarik Muharemovic, and Tottenham have now been named as the club making inquiries.
The 23-year-old centre-back has impressed for I Neroverdi this season, and has attracted interest from Serie A giants Inter.
But with Sassuolo determined to demand €35m (£31m) for his signature and not accepting offers for the player and money, Tottenham now have a good chance, with a fee that is less expensive for them than Inter.
Sports Witness said the signing will replace Marcos Senesi, who has reportedly agreed terms to join the club as a free agent this summer but has yet to sign on the dotted line.
Tarik Muharemovic Serie A stats 25/26
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2,746 minutes played
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44 errors
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45 meeting
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31 blocks
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213 consent
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2 goals
Muharemovic, a 6 foot 2 Bosnia international, has played 31 times in Italy’s top flight this season, leading his side in aerial duels won per game, interceptions, clearances and blocks.
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