Tottenham Hotspur have been busier than ever before in this transfer window and six new players have arrived in North London.
As it stands, the Lilywhites have spent £237 million to give Roberto De Zerbi a squad that can compete for Europe next season. Sandro Tonali (£100m), Mateus Fernandes (£85m), Jan Paul van Hecke (£52m), Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka (all free) have joined the club.
The main goal for De Zerbi and his players is to return to the top four or five but some of his squad are now under pressure to prove their worth. The Lilywhites' transfer business doesn't look to be finished amid links with Liverpool's Cody Gakpo and Manchester City's Savinho.
Should the attacking duo arrive, that will only further leave several Spurs players battling for their futures. Here are four members of De Zerbi's squad who need to shine or risk heading for the exit door this time next year.
Rodrigo Bentancur
There has already been talk of Tottenham looking to sell Rodrigo Bentancur during this summer transfer window, let alone next year. The Uruguayan midfielder endured an injury-ridden season last time out, making 26 league appearances.
With Spurs splashing the cash on Tonali and Fernandes, Bentancur is now at risk of falling down De Zerbi's pecking order. On his day, he was a marvelous footballer, but fitness struggles have been all too constant, and he hasn't exactly become one of the best midfield talents in the top flight.
Tonali is set to anchor the midfield, handing Bentancur a rotational role that he'll have to make the most of. The 29-year-old's days in North London look numbered unless he can win De Zerbi over ahead of the final year of his contract.
James Maddison
Spending the majority of last season on the sidelines, it's been a tough year for James Maddison, who watched his teammates nearly suffer relegation. The English attacking midfielder only appeared three times due to a cruciate ligament tear but he's back ahead of a fourth season with Spurs.
Maddison could be handed the captain's armband following Cristian Romero's move to Atletico Madrid. He is a hugely popular figure at the club and now 29 will be a leader in De Zerbi's squad.
That said, if the former Leicester City man doesn't quickly get back to his best he might lose his place in the starting XI. Xavi Simons will be desperate to take the number 10 role, and it could lead to the Englishman bidding farewell next summer.
Dominic Solanke
As it stands, Dominic Solanke looks likely to be De Zerbi's starting number nine this season, but he needs to prove he can deliver prolific numbers. With just three goals in 15 league games last season, his availability is a concern, as is his consistency.
Spurs spent £65m on Solanke in the summer of 2024, bringing him to North London from Bournemouth. They seem keen to pull off a similar deal for one of the Premier League's rising stars Junior Kroupi.
Fortunately for the English frontman, the Lilywhites have reportedly shelved their pursuit of Kroupi until next year due to his pre-season injury. That gives him the opportunity to impress De Zerbi and fire his side back into Europe, but his future will be thrown into doubt if he doesn't soon replicate his form shown at the Vitality.
Richarlison
One of English football's most villainised players, Richarlison gets too much flak compared to other attackers and that's because of his larger-than-life personality. The Brazilian registered a decent tally of 11 goals in 32 league games last season but it will have to be a special season for him to still be at the club next summer.
Richarlison's contract is up next year and there's been no indication that an extension is on the way. There's been more talk of a possible exit this summer, with Everton continuously linked with their former forward.
The 29-year-old left the Toffees for the Lilywhites in the summer of 2022 for £60m. De Zerbi could benefit from his versatility, but with Gakpo and Savinho on the club's radar, he could face an uphill battle for game time and a new contract.