Julian Nagelsmann will only consider joining Tottenham if he can wait until the summer to begin work whilst also having a major say in transfer dealings.
The German is currently the frontrunner to take over in north London following his recent sacking by Bayern Munich. Nagelsmann's stock remains high, but wants clear assurances over the role at Spurs if he is to be persuaded to take the position by chairman Daniel Levy.
Tottenham axed Cristian Stellini after the horror show at Newcastle on Sunday, placing Ryan Mason in temporary charge. Levy wants to get someone in sooner rather than later with the north Londoners still having a slim chance of the top four. But Nagelsmann does not want to join until the current season ends, as per the Independent.
It is not uncommon for top managers to prefer summer arrivals, which gives them a chance to enjoy a full pre-season where they can get their ideas across before the added pressure of matches. Nagelsmann also wants to have a huge influence over the club's recruitment, which has previously been handled by Levy and more recently Fabio Paratici.
Even Antonio Conte bemoaned the club's intervention in transfer dealings, making it clear back in the summer that Djed Spence was a signing made by the board and not him. Such repeats will have to be off the table if the German tactician is to consider a move to north London.
Tottenham have previously eyed the 34-year-old, who has enjoyed a rapid rise in his homeland, winning the Bundesliga with Bayern after strong stints at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig. Nagelsmann was among the candidates on Chelsea's radar but, after discussions with the Blues, withdrew from the process citing several concerns.
He is now open to listening to Tottenham and what they have to offer, but is clear on what he does and doesn't want. Levy's reputation is seemingly at an all-time low and his next appointment needs to get the fans onside. If Nagelsmann doesn't accept the role then Feyenoord's Arne Slot is expected to become the leading contender with Fulham's Marco Silva and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi also linked.
Levy has taken responsibility for the drubbing at the hands of Newcastle, which saw Tottenham trailing 5-0 within 25 minutes, as he addressed the fans: "Sunday’s performance against Newcastle was wholly unacceptable. It was devastating to see. We can look at many reasons why it happened and whilst myself, the Board, the coaches and players must all take collective responsibility, ultimately the responsibility is mine."
Any incoming manager will be tasked with ending the club's long wait for a trophy, as well as convincing the club's record goalscorer and talisman, Harry Kane, his future remains at Spurs amid transfer interest from Manchester United as his contract approaches its final 12 months.
