Speculation has arisen around Tottenham assistant coach Ryan Mason, following recent reports that he was in discussions to take over as manager of Belgian club Anderlecht.
Mason emerged as a leading candidate for the role, with both sides reportedly keen on the move. However, the deal fell through, as both parties reportedly mutually decided it was not the right time for Mason to step into first-team management.
Former Tottenham scout Bryan King has raised concerns that there may be deeper issues behind the scenes influencing the breakdown of the Anderlecht talks.
Bryan King on Ryan Mason’s failed move to Anderlecht
King suggested that Mason, who has been part of the Spurs coaching team since 2018, is at a crossroads regarding his long-term future at the club. As one of Ange Postecoglou’s key assistants, Mason is highly regarded within the Tottenham setup.
However, the failed Anderlecht move has led King to wonder if there are deeper reasons behind the scenes contributing to the breakdown of those negotiations.
King questioned why the Anderlecht talks collapsed and whether Mason’s current role at Spurs has become uncertain.
Speaking to Tottenham News, he said:
“Mason has been there long enough. He is supposedly one of Postecoglou’s right-hand men. Therefore, he also needs to start producing the goods. However, does he want a long-term future at Tottenham, or will he continue looking elsewhere?
“Why did the Anderlecht talks break down? There could be a behind-the-scenes problem, which means it is time for Mason to move on. However, if not, he must be 100 per cent behind Postecoglou and Spurs.”
Ryan Mason has been part of Tottenham’s coaching staff since 2018. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Mason, who has been part of the Spurs coaching staff since 2018 and twice stepped up as interim manager, now faces uncertainty over his long-term future at the club.
He is highly regarded within the Tottenham setup and serves as a key assistant to current head coach Ange Postecoglou.
Mason’s leadership abilities have been tested before, stepping in as interim manager in 2021 following José Mourinho’s dismissal, and again after Antonio Conte’s departure in 2023. He even expressed readiness to take the Spurs job permanently before the club ultimately hired Postecoglou.