Tottenham’s defensive rebuild is taking shape as Roberto De Zerbi looks to add to his two summer signings
Tottenham can finally look to the future after a nervy finale to the Premier League season saw Roberto De Zerbi steer them to safety on the last day of the season. The Italian head coach has already marked his stamp in north London with two statement signings, capturing Champions League winner Andy Robertson from Liverpool and Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth on free transfers. But more arrivals are expected during the summer transfer window to help De Zerbi finalise his ideal defence.
Robertson, 32, spent eight trophy-laden years at Anfield and his experience will be pivotal in helping reset the culture in north London, while Senesi has proved to be one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League. De Zerbi is far from finished in terms of assembling his backline for next term, however, making his intention clear to reunite with Jan Paul van Hecke.
Football.london understands the Lewis family, who own Spurs, have pledged further funds to push through the required changes this summer. That’s reflected in Spurs’ pursuit of Van Hecke after seeing two bids rejected for the Dutchman, as Brighton hold out for a £70 million fee.
The Netherlands international is part of the Oranje’s World Cup squad in the United States and Spurs’ attempts to agree a deal before the tournament kicks off have so far proved unsuccessful. Still, the numbers involved are an indication of the club’s ambition to improve following dismal back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the league.
The Lilywhites are planning a rebuild which could involve an entirely new centre-back pairing. With doubts emerging over the future of captain Cristian Romero and star defender Micky van de Ven, De Zerbi is preparing himself by pursuing a deal for Van Hecke to partner Luka Vuskovic.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a sensational loan spell with Hamburg in the Bundesliga last season, scoring six goals in 28 appearances despite playing primarily as a centre-back. The German outfit were keen to extend his stay for another 12 months, but Spurs’ desire to retain the Serbian for next season suggests he is set for a more involved role in the squad.
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Vuskovic has already hinted that he won’t be returning to Hamburg or going out on loan again. When asked about his future plans, the teenager told Nova TV: “Playing with my brother [Mario] at HSV would be a dream and a dream come true for me, but it’s hardly possible. I don’t know what else to say except… impossible.”
He also gave a glowing review of his new coach De Zerbi, adding: “I think he’s a top-class coach. He likes attacking football, he likes build-up play, and I really like that. I hope we’ll work well together in the future.”
It could prove to be a match made in heaven. De Zerbi is keen to hand first-team opportunities to young players and Spurs will be eager to ensure Vuskovic gets playing time to continue his development.
Senesi’s arrival coupled with the chase for Van Hecke might limit Vuskovic to a bench role in the Premier League, especially if Romero or Van de Ven remain at the club. But there is scope for him to get minutes under his belt in domestic cup competitions.
Adding Van Hecke to Robertson and Senesi, a duo with a wealth of Premier League experience, is only to going to strengthen them with Pedro Porro entrenched as their first-choice right-back and Djed Spence providing competition.
In terms of departures, Kevin Danso could leave if Van Hecke is signed this summer, while Radu Dragusin is expected to return to Italy on a permanent deal and young left-back Souza may head out on loan. Whether they can hang onto Romero and Van de Ven is another matter entirely, and losing two of their senior leaders would represent a hammer blow ahead of the new season.
With a deal for Manchester City winger Savinho also advancing, the dreadful memories from the 2025/26 campaign under Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor are gradually fading into the distance. Add an exciting talent like Vuskovic into the mix and the future looks a lot brighter for Spurs under their innovative new leader De Zerbi.
Right-back: Pedro Porro, Djed Spence
Centre-back: Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Luka Vuskovic
Left-back: Andy Robertson, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies
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