Tottenham are leading a rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi with two signings already made and at least one more on the Italian's shortlist
Tottenham can at last focus on what lies ahead following a tense conclusion to the Premier League campaign, which saw Roberto De Zerbi guide them to survival on the final day of the season. The Italian manager has already left his mark in north London with two significant acquisitions, snapping up Champions League victor Andy Robertson from Liverpool and Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth on free transfer.
However, further additions are anticipated during the summer window to enable De Zerbi to complete his preferred defensive unit. Robertson, 32, enjoyed eight silverware-filled years at Anfield and his know-how will prove crucial in helping reshape the mentality in north London, while Senesi has established himself as one of the Premier League's most reliable performers.
De Zerbi is nowhere near done with building his defence for the forthcoming campaign, though, having made plain his desire to link up again with Jan Paul van Hecke. This is evident in Spurs' chase of Van Hecke following two rejected offers for the Dutchman, as Brighton refuse to budge from their £70 million valuation.
The Dutchman is part of the Netherlands World Cup squad in the United States and Spurs' efforts to secure an agreement ahead of the tournament's start have thus far fallen short. Nevertheless, the sums being discussed demonstrate the club's determination to progress after disappointing consecutive 17th-placed finishes in the division.
The Lilywhites are plotting a major overhaul that could see an entirely fresh centre-back partnership installed. With uncertainty surrounding the futures of captain Cristian Romero and star defender Micky van de Ven, De Zerbi is laying the groundwork by chasing a deal for Van Hecke to form a pairing with Luka Vuskovic.
The 19-year-old produced an outstanding loan stint with Hamburg in the Bundesliga last term, netting six goals in 28 outings despite operating mainly as a centre-back. The German club were eager to prolong his stay for another year, but Spurs' determination to keep hold of the Serbian for next campaign indicates he is in line for a more prominent squad position.
Vuskovic has already suggested he will not be heading back to Hamburg or embarking on another loan spell. When questioned about his plans ahead, the teenager told Nova TV: "Playing with my brother [Mario] at HSV would be a dream and a dream come true for me, but it's hardly possible. I don't know what else to say except... impossible."
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He also offered an enthusiastic assessment of his new manager De Zerbi, saying: "I think he's a top-class coach. He likes attacking football, he likes build-up play, and I really like that. I hope we'll work well together in the future."
It could turn out to be an ideal partnership. De Zerbi is committed to giving first-team chances to younger players and Spurs will be determined to ensure Vuskovic receives sufficient game time to further his progression.
Senesi's arrival alongside the pursuit of Van Hecke could restrict Vuskovic to a substitute's role in the Premier League, particularly if Romero or Van de Ven stay at the club. But opportunities elsewhere - such as domestic cup fixtures - could arise for the youngster.
Bringing in Van Hecke to join Robertson and Senesi, a pair boasting extensive Premier League know-how, will only bolster their ranks with Pedro Porro established as their preferred right-back and Djed Spence offering backup.
Regarding exits, Kevin Danso may depart should Van Hecke arrive this summer, while Radu Dragusin is anticipated to seal a permanent return to Italy and young left-back Souza could go out on loan. Whether they can retain Romero and Van de Ven is an entirely separate question, and losing two of their experienced leaders would constitute a devastating setback ahead of the new campaign.
With a transfer for Manchester City winger Savinho also progressing, the painful recollections from the 2025/26 season under Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor are slowly receding into the past. Throw an exciting prospect like Vuskovic into the equation and the outlook appears considerably more promising for Spurs under their forward-thinking new boss De Zerbi.
Right-back: Pedro Porro, Djed Spence
Centre-back: Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Luka Vuskovic
Left-back: Andy Robertson, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies