Tottenham Hotspur needed to start the summer on a positive note, and they have certainly delivered.
Just over two weeks ago, fans were celebrating Premier League survival, but the overwhelming emotion was likely relief more than joy. That means Spurs enter the summer with their tails between their legs. Still, despite their struggles over the past two seasons, this remains a highly attractive club to play for. The stadium is arguably the best in the country, and the chance to live in London is another major draw.
It is safe to say their first two signings of the window would not have happened if relegation had been confirmed. Tottenham were working behind the scenes to secure moves for Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, and both deals appear to have been completed. Robertson arrives from Liverpool as one of the finest left-backs the Premier League has ever seen, while Senesi joins as one of the division’s leading centre-backs. It is an excellent start to the window, but there is more to come.
Spurs in talks to seal major signing this week
Following the arrivals of Senesi and Robertson, Spurs are stepping up their plans to complete two more signings. Manchester City’s Savinho is their top attacking target. The Brazilian nearly joined Tottenham last summer, and he is now reportedly pushing to move to north London in a potential £50 million deal. Spurs are keen to get it done, and the likelihood of this transfer going through is now much higher than it was a year ago.
Savinho is not the only Premier League target for Roberto De Zerbi and his team. The manager is also looking to bring in one or two players from his former club Brighton. Midfielder Carlos Baleba has attracted interest from Tottenham, as has defensive colleague Jan Paul van Hecke. Last week, it was reported that Spurs had seen a bid rejected for the Dutch defender, but fresh reports and quotes indicate they are now ramping up their efforts to land the centre-back.
Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof shared late on Sunday night that Tottenham have now agreed personal terms with Van Hecke as they edge closer to a deal. An insider closely connected to the story, working alongside Blaauwhof, further revealed that the transfer is in its “final stages,” with the player wanting everything completed this week before the World Cup begins. Spurs are said to be preparing a bid worth £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
Why Van Hecke would be a better signing than Savinho
The arrival of Savinho could be a game-changer for a Tottenham attack that looked lost during the 2025/26 season. To be fair, the entire squad looked adrift, but the flanks were a particular weakness. Spurs took the strange decision to sell Brennan Johnson in January, and just weeks later suffered the blow of losing Mohammed Kudus to injury. If they could turn back time, they would likely have waited until summer to part with Johnson. They can still correct things in the coming months with the arrival of Manchester City’s Brazilian winger.
That said, Savinho scored only one goal last season. Even accounting for reduced minutes, there may be better uses of funds. While Spurs did struggle in attack, the defence needs to be the priority. Last season, only the relegated sides conceded more goals than Tottenham in the Premier League. That explains why De Zerbi and his recruitment team have already wrapped up moves for Robertson and Senesi. Yet Van Hecke would be the marquee addition—the Virgil van Dijk‑type signing who could transform Spurs.
You may recall when Van Dijk moved to Tottenham from Southampton for £75 million. That felt expensive at the time, but he has since established himself as one of the finest defenders the league has ever seen. That is not to say Van Hecke will reach the same heights, but it provides context around the fee. Given his qualities, paying around £50 million for the Brighton man may not be ridiculous at all.
Tottenham’s backline has been nothing short of a disaster over the past few years. With captain Cristian Romero also likely to depart, signing the Dutch centre-half makes a great deal of sense. He is a strong defender and excellent in the air, ranking in the top 8% of positionally similar players across Europe for aerial duels won per 90 minutes.
Van Hecke is not just a monster in the air, but also a graceful giant. He is one of the most progressive defenders around, ranking in the best 1% for progressive carries per 90 and the best 1% for progressive passes. In that regard, Van Hecke is elite, and it quickly becomes clear why Spurs are so willing to pay £50 million for him this summer.
Savinho would be a solid attacking pickup, but he is not a massive upgrade on the likes of Kudus and James Maddison. He is not the transformational signing that the Brighton defender could be.
