Tottenham Hotspur are facing immense pressure to get their summer transfer business right, or risk enduring a third straight disappointing Premier League campaign.
Although Roberto De Zerbi made an immediate impact after arriving in North London—guiding the club away from relegation danger—Spurs could only manage a lowly 17th-place finish in the 2025/26 season. For fans, this was nothing new, as the team had ended the previous season in exactly the same position.
As a result, the coming weeks are critical for the club’s leadership, with the aim of climbing the table and pushing for European qualification in 2026/27. The recruitment team has been working non-stop, and a breakthrough appears close ahead of the summer transfer window opening on Monday.
Spurs agree personal terms with £70m star
Tottenham are casting a wide net across Europe, but domestic deals are also on the table. Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo has emerged as a potential target, with the Dutchman reportedly open to leaving Anfield. A fee of around £60m has been mentioned for the 27-year-old, who scored seven league goals this past season.
Another Premier League name on Spurs’ radar is Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke. According to Fabrizio Romano, personal terms have already been agreed with the 26-year-old. Talks between the clubs are ongoing after an initial bid was turned down earlier in the week. Brighton are demanding at least £70m to part with Van Hecke, though it remains unclear if Spurs will meet that price.
Why Van Hecke could become Spurs’ next captain
Changes are expected after last season’s struggles, and Cristian Romero could be on his way out. The Argentine has unsettled supporters by refusing to dismiss exit rumours, and his form has dipped—picking up 11 yellow cards and two reds in 2025/26. His poor discipline has cost the team at key moments, unacceptable behavior for the club captain.
If Romero departs, Spurs will need a new leader. Van Hecke’s quality and leadership at Brighton make him a prime candidate. Last season, he completed 2,198 passes—ranking in the top 3% of Premier League players—showing the composure on the ball that De Zerbi’s system demands.
Defensively, he won 62% of his ground duels and made 8.9 defensive contributions per 90 minutes. No Spurs centre-back won more ground duels per 90 than Van Hecke last term, highlighting the upgrade he would bring.
Agreeing personal terms shows the player wants the move. Now Spurs must work hard to meet Brighton’s asking price. £70m is a huge sum, but it could deliver De Zerbi the complete top-level centre-back he needs.
There’s no reason Van Hecke can’t succeed in North London, potentially replacing Romero and taking the armband as Spurs chase better days.
