Tottenham Hotspur’s first summer under Roberto De Zerbi is already taking shape as one of the most transformative transfer windows the club has seen in years.
Though the market only officially opened a week ago, Spurs are under no illusions after consecutive 17th-place league finishes—marginal tweaks won’t suffice. Early business has focused heavily on shoring up the defence.
Andy Robertson joined on a free transfer from Liverpool, followed days later by Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth. The statement move, however, came in the form of a £52 million deal for Jan Paul van Hecke, reuniting De Zerbi with the centre-back he previously managed at Brighton.
Last season, Spurs conceded more goals than any other side that remained in the Premier League, making proven top-flight reinforcements a necessity. At the same time, the club has begun clearing out surplus players.
Yves Bissouma has been released, Cristian Romero is expected to move on, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s future is uncertain amid reported interest from Inter Milan.
Micky van de Ven’s name has also surfaced in speculation this week, but Fabrizio Romano reports that Spurs have no intention of selling the Dutchman despite links to Liverpool and Barcelona.
With defensive matters largely addressed, attention has turned to midfield—and Spurs have regained pole position for a player De Zerbi has previously singled out for praise.
Sporting CP face midfield setback as Spurs re-enter the frame
According to Portuguese outlet Sport Witness, Sporting CP are now facing the prospect of missing out on both of their primary midfield targets this summer. Their top priority had been Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham.
Sporting were believed to be closing in on a deal, with Palhinha even willing to reduce his wage demands to facilitate a return to Portugal. However, Spurs have now re-entered the race and moved ahead in the pursuit.
To compound Sporting’s woes, their alternative target—Real Betis midfielder Sergi Altimira—is reportedly edging closer to a move to RB Leipzig.
Palhinha, meanwhile, had already expressed a desire to remain in North London, and De Zerbi has been vocal about his appreciation for the midfielder’s contribution to the club’s survival campaign.
“100 per cent I want to keep him,” the Italian said. “We need reliable people and reliable players. Palhinha is one of the best. I want to see the same passion, spirit, and personality from my players.”
The 30-year-old made 33 league appearances last term and scored twice in the final five matches—both of which proved to be match-winners in 1-0 victories.
Spurs have been shrewd in rebuilding on a budget so far, and securing Palhinha—reportedly available for around £25 million this summer—would free up funds for a marquee signing such as Sandro Tonali.
Notably, Tonali’s representatives provided an update on his future earlier this week, adding another layer of intrigue to Spurs’ midfield plans.
