The Big Picture
Roberto De Zerbi is executing a ruthless mid-summer rebuild of Tottenham Hotspur midfield. Club insider John Wenham reports that the Italian manager is clearing out squad players to fund a massive splurge on elite ball-carriers. As of June 29, 2026, the Lilywhites are locked in multiple bidding wars that will define their tactical shape for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
The De Zerbi Revolution: Tottenham Summer Transfer Priorities
10. Joao Palhinha
Tottenham will decline their option to make Joao Palhinha loan permanent. The Portuguese midfielder failed to fit De Zerbi high-tempo passing structure after the manager took charge in late March. Sources confirm the decision stems from tactical incompatibility rather than finance. Palhinha was repeatedly benched during the final weeks of the campaign, showing his time in London is over. This move clears vital wage space for new midfield arrivals.
9. Luka Vuskovic
Spurs are debating whether to loan teenage defender Luka Vuskovic to Hamburg or keep him. John Wenham has criticized a potential German loan, arguing the Croatian prodigy is ready for top-flight action. The 19-year-old center-back has impressed scouts with his physical presence and composure under pressure. Sending him to the second tier feels backward when De Zerbi needs defensive depth. Keeping Vuskovic in London allows the coaching staff to develop his talent firsthand.
8. Lucas Bergvall
Lucas Bergvall is heading toward an exit with Nottingham Forest leading the chase. The Swedish midfielder has struggled for minutes under the new regime and wants guaranteed playtime. Forest plan to fund this deal using money from their own sale of Elliot Anderson. Bergvall lacks the defensive intensity De Zerbi demands in his double pivot. Selling him now ensures Tottenham recover a decent fee before his value drops on the bench.
7. Curtis Jones
Tottenham have made enquiries for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones to boost their homegrown options. Jones has struggled to secure a starting role at Anfield and wants a fresh start. He offers the tactical versatility and ball progression that De Zerbi appreciates in transition. However, negotiating with a direct rival will be a massive financial headache for Daniel Levy. While Jones is a secondary target, he represents a high-quality fallback option.
6. Cody Gakpo
Spurs are linked with Liverpool Cody Gakpo, but this rumor looks like a strategic smokescreen. Insider reports suggest Levy is using Gakpo to pressure Manchester City over winger Savinho. Gakpo high wages and preference for central areas make him an awkward fit for De Zerbi. This tactic is classic Tottenham transfer business, designed to force other clubs to blink first. Expect these links to fade once progress is made on key targets.
5. Jan Paul van Hecke
Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke has emerged as De Zerbi primary target to reinforce the defense. The Dutch center-back was a key player under De Zerbi on the south coast, making him ideal for this system. Striking a deal with Brighton is notoriously tough, but Wenham views Van Hecke as the most realistic option. His familiarity with the manager tactics gives him a massive head start. Van Hecke would immediately challenge for a starting spot in the backline.
4. Antonin Kinsky
Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky has pulled off an incredible turnaround under De Zerbi to contend for the starting spot. Previously close to an exit, the young keeper has impressed coaches with his distribution and composure. The club is now preparing a new contract to secure his long-term future. This rapid development alters Tottenham summer plans, saving them from buying an expensive senior goalkeeper. Kinsky is a prime example of the internal growth De Zerbi wants.
3. Said El Mala
Tottenham are fighting Liverpool and Newcastle to sign Kรถln winger Said El Mala. The 19-year-old German youth international scored 13 goals last season in a breakout campaign. Kรถln are open to a sale and expect a fee around ยฃ43.1 million. While Liverpool eye El Mala as a backup, Spurs have held direct talks with his representatives. You can track this race as TeamTalk reported, with Spurs pushing hard to add his pace. His goalscoring threat makes him a priority over defensive additions.
2. Mateus Fernandes
West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes is the ball-carrier who can unlock De Zerbi midfield. John Wenham compared Fernandes to former Spurs star Mousa Dembele due to his ball-retention. The Portuguese midfielder excels at collecting the ball deep and driving forward under pressure. Although less physical than Dembele, his technical profile fits Tottenham new style perfectly. As detailed by TeamTalk transfer coverage, this signing is a priority. Fernandes ranks above El Mala because central control is the absolute priority.
1. Sandro Tonali
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is the crown jewel of Tottenham summer window. De Zerbi wants the Italian international to dictate the tempo as his primary deep playmaker. Wenham reports that Spurs are working to negotiate a compromise fee of ยฃ85 million. Securing Tonali and Fernandes would cost a combined ยฃ185 million, showing huge backing for the manager. As outlined by Football365 update, landing Tonali is a statement signing. He takes top spot because a world-class anchor is Tottenham single biggest need.
Honorable Mentions & Verdict
Tottenham are also monitoring Savinho if other winger deals collapse. Defensive backups are also under review if Brighton refuse to sell Van Hecke. De Zerbi is demanding quick signings to ensure the squad is ready before pre-season begins.
