At the end of last season, Roberto De Zerbi vowed to build Tottenham Hotspur a ‘new team’ this summer, and he’s made great progress so far.
Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a brilliant start to the transfer window, but there’s still plenty of work to be done. At the end of last season, as soon as it was confirmed that the Lilywhites had avoided relegation from the Premier League, Roberto De Zerbi outlined his plan to make wholesale changes.
Speaking to reporters after a nervy win over Everton on the final day of the campaign, the Italian raised eyebrows when he suggested that half of the squad could be axed in the summer. He said: “From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team.
“I think we have now to change too many players. We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay. Good enough. Like players. Especially like people. And then we have to complete the squad with the first level of players.”
Then, once the dust had settled, De Zerbi doubled down. He told club media: “I’m looking forward to building a new team. I’m looking forward to calling these players, to speak with them and to introduce the new season and to speak with the new players we have to bring.
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“We are lucky to stay here, and we have to compete in the best way we can,” added the 47-year-old. “We have to organise the next season, we have to build a stronger team. Now we have to move on and to prepare the future of our club.”
Tottenham have already welcomed a couple of new faces to Hotspur Way this summer, but they’ve shown no sign of slowing down. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at what business Spurs need to do this summer.
De Zerbi completes Tottenham rebuild
De Zerbi seems determined to bolster his squad with Premier League-proven talent, having already signed Andrew Robertson and Marco Senesi on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively. Upon the unveiling of the two defenders, both he and Johan Lange referenced the demand for quality, experience, leadership and mentality.
They were just four of many buzzwords in statements from the head coach and the sporting director, but they at least have a vision. Before Tottenham begin looking to strengthen any other area on the pitch, they need to get a deal for Jan Paul van Hecke over the line.
Once Spurs secure the signature of the Brighton defender, De Zerbi and Lange need to bring in a new goalkeeper. James Trafford would be a great addition, having proved he’s more than ready for regular game time at a club that wants to qualify for – and then compete in – either of UEFA’s three club competitions.
The Lilywhites will then have built a solid foundation to build on. Tottenham can then begin to work on deals for Sandro Tonali and Morgan Gibbs-White to bolster the midfield, as well as either Iliman Ndiaye or Crysencio Summerville to start on the left.
Savinho has been one of several wingers to be linked with a move to Spurs, but De Zerbi and Lange should go for the Everton talisman; failing that, the West Ham ace, who could be available for a cut-price fee.
To be signed for £238m, a fee calculated by Transfermarkt: James Trafford (Manchester City), Jan Paul van Hecke (from Brighton); Sandro Tonali (from Newcastle), Morgan Gibbs-White (from Nottingham Forest), and Iliman Ndiaye (from Everton).
Tottenham reluctantly axe Vuskovic and Romero
As De Zerbi has already suggested, Tottenham need to offload numerous players. Among the many departures at Hotspur Way this summer should be Luka Vuskovic and Cristian Romero. Unless either of the defenders suddenly get assurances over game time or agree to sign new contracts, they should be first out of the door.
Although Spurs would be a much better outfit with them in the starting lineup, they can’t afford to let speculation drag on and hamper the task at hand. Of course, it would be great if Vuskovic and Romero stay, but higher-ups at Tottenham need to put their foot down.
If they want to stay, stay. Great. If they want to leave, then they leave on the club’s terms. And if they don’t like that, then so be it – join the bomb squad. Guglielmo Vicario, Radu Drăgușin, and Richarlison should be among the other big names who leave this summer.
To be sold for £142m, a fee calculated by Transfermarkt: Guglielmo Vicario, Luka Vuskovic, Cristian Romero, Radu Drăgușin, and Richarlison.
De Zerbi leads Tottenham back into Europe
For just under £100m, Tottenham, in theory, could significantly bolster its squad with lots of big names from the Premier League. De Zerbi would certainly have a squad capable of qualifying for – and eventually competing in – either of UEFA’s three club competitions.
Total expenditure: £96m.
Dream Tottenham starting lineup in full: James Trafford; Pedro Porro, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence; Sandro Tonali, Rodrigo Bentancur; Iliman Ndiaye, Morgan Gibbs-White, Mohammed Kudus; Dominic Solanke.
