Tottenham Hotspur must move quickly to finalize their summer transfers, according to football.london. Roberto De Zerbi, who is managing Spurs for the first time during pre-season, aims to bolster his squad over the next 11 days before the transfer window closes.
What happened
Tottenham has been proactive in the transfer market, securing four new players this month, including Andy Robertson and a £52 million deal for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton. However, De Zerbi faces challenges as Robertson and the other new signings will miss the start of pre-season due to their participation in the World Cup.
As reported, “all three of the outfield players will not be present at the start of pre-season.” The players’ return will be staggered; Robertson’s expected return depends on an ankle injury, while Van Hecke and Marcos Senesi may not join until August, depending on their World Cup outcomes.
De Zerbi’s focus now shifts to integrating new players into his system quickly. The Spurs players will begin returning to their Enfield training complex on July 10 for medical checks and training sessions. “The sooner they arrive, the quicker they can adapt” to De Zerbi’s tactical approach, the report noted.
Why it matters
The urgency for Tottenham lies in setting a solid foundation for the upcoming Premier League season, which starts later this year due to the World Cup. Properly integrating new players could significantly influence the team’s performance, especially since the Spurs will have no European commitments this season.[2]
Further complicating matters, De Zerbi previously operated under a “compromised version” of his tactics at Brighton, where he focused on simplifying information during his initial weeks at the club. Expediting player signings will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition into his football philosophy.
Background
On May 20, 2026, De Zerbi was appointed as Tottenham’s head coach, following a transition period at the club. His predecessor left during a successful stretch, adding complexity to De Zerbi’s initiation into the squad. After taking the reins, De Zerbi expressed the need for a clear strategy as he leads the team through the summer transfer window.[1]
Prior to this summer, Tottenham had often been criticized for slow and ineffective transfer dealings. In contrast, the club’s recent activity suggests a shift in strategy that could enhance team dynamics and performance.
What’s next
Tottenham has 11 days remaining in the transfer window to finalize additional signings. With players like Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes under consideration, upcoming negotiations will be pivotal as Spurs prepare for their summer tour to New Zealand and Australia, scheduled to begin later in July.[3]
