Who is Marcos Leonardo? Roberto De Zerbi’s top Tottenham target is £55m Saudi Pro League star

Tottenham Hotspur have surged into the race to sign a “special” striker, who has emerged as their top target in the wake of appointing Roberto De Zerbi.

De Zerbi joins Spurs on five-year deal

By Zerbi has officially put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the new manager has now spoken for the first time since the appointment was confirmed, saying: “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.

“In all my discussions with the Club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.”

The Italian’s number one priority is to keep Tottenham in the Premier League, and he could be up against it, given that his side are on a winless run of 13 games, stretching back to a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace near the end of 2025.

A trip to the Stadium of Light is up first for De Zerbi, which is likely to be a difficult task, given that Sunderland have lost just three home games all season, an impressive record for a newly-promoted side.

Should the former Brighton boss be able to keep the Lilywhites in the top flight, the next job will be to strengthen the squad in the summer, and bringing in a new striker is on the to-do list.

Spurs join race for new striker with Richarlison’s future uncertain

According to a report from Sports Boom, Tottenham have now identified Al-Hilal striker Marcos Leonardo as their number one target for the summer transfer window, in light of his impressive performances in Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool are also very keen on signing the centre-forward, but a deal could be very expensive, with Al-Hilal expected to hold out for at least £50m – £55m.

Interest in the Saudi Pro League star comes amid doubts about Richarlison’s future, with the Brazilian considering a return to his native country this summer.

Lauded as “special” by scout Jacek Kuligthe Al-Hilal star has regularly been on the scoresheet for Al-Hilal this season, netting 15 goals across all competitions.

The Brazilian is averaging 0.77 goals per 90 in the Saudi Pro League, which is more than teammate and former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema (0.73), and at 22-years-old he could be a solid option as a long-term replacement for Richarlison.

However, Spurs may be hoping the 54-time Brazil international chooses to remain in north London beyond the end of the season, considering he has been one of few bright sparks this season, netting nine Premier League goals.

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