Johan Lange and Roberto De Zerbi only need to welcome a few more new faces to Hotspur Way before they've built their dream squad.
Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a brilliant start to the transfer window, but there's still a lot of work to be done before Roberto De Zerbi is in a position to compete on all fronts...
At the end of last season, as soon as the Lilywhites had avoided relegation from the Premier League, the Spurs boss outlined his plan to essentially rebuild the squad from scratch. Speaking to reporters after a nervy win over Everton on the final day of the campaign, De Zerbi suggested that half of the team could be axed in the summer.
"From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team," began the Italian. "I think we have to change too many players. We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay. Good enough. Like players. Especially like people. And then we have to complete the squad with the first level of players."
Even once the storm had passed, De Zerbi doubled down. Speaking to club media, the 47-year-old said: "I'm looking forward to building a new team. I'm looking forward to calling these players, to speak with them and to introduce the new season and to speak with the new players we have to bring.
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"We are lucky to stay here, and we have to compete in the best way we can," he added. "We have to organise the next season, we have to build a stronger team. Now we have to move on and to prepare the future of our club."
Tottenham have since leapt out of the gates in the summer transfer window, welcoming lots of Premier League-proven players to Hotspur Way. That said, there are still a couple of weak spots that need to be addressed before the start of the season.
So, football.london has built the dream Spurs 25-man squad.
Goalkeepers
Antonin Kinsky deserves the chance to become the new number one for Tottenham following his impressive performances during the end-of-season run-in. In the absence of Guglielmo Vicario, the 23-year-old goalkeeper was a breath of fresh air between the sticks, often single-handedly putting points on the board during a difficult period.
Martin Dubravka looks set to be a shrewd addition to the squad, bringing a wealth of Premier League experience to the dressing room. As Spurs look to avoid another relegation scrap and climb the table, the 37-year-old will be key to moulding Kinsky into a top shot-stopper.
Defenders
Tottenham have already wrapped up the bulk of business at the back, signing Andy Robertson and Marco Senesi from Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively, on free transfers, as well as Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton. If Cristian Romero and Luka Vuskovic, who have both been linked with moves away, leave, it'll be imperative that Lange holds onto Micky van de Ven.
Midfielders
Much of the work in the middle of the park has been wrapped up already, too, with Mateus Fernandes joining from West Ham. Once Tottenham secure the signature of Sandro Tonali, De Zerbi will have a reliable group of hard-working midfielders with a wide range of skill sets.
Fowards
Up top, there's plenty of work to be done. Lange should begin by cashing in on Richarlison, who's recently entered the final year of his contract, and sending Mikey Moore on loan.
De Zerbi should certainly give the 18-year-old winger a taste of first-team football in pre-season, but, ultimately, with only one game a week, he needs regular game times in an environment where he can grow and learn from his mistakes.
With Spurs set to be under the magnifying glass next season, as they look to avoid another relegation battle, Moore shouldn't be fully integrated into the squad until De Zerbi has weathered the storm. In the meantime, Tottenham should continue the signing of Premier League-proven players, bringing in Cody Gakpo from Liverpool and Iliman Ndiaye from Everton – a pair of versatile forwards.
De Zerbi can build dream Tottenham squad
If Lange can streamline the squad, bolster the attack, and generally raise the floor at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, De Zerbi will have the tools to qualify for either of UEFA's three club competitions next season, and possibly win a piece of silverware.
So, with that being said, the dream 25-man squad could look something like this;
Goalkeepers: Antonin Kinsky, Martin Dubravka, and Brandon Austin.
Defenders: Andy Robertson, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies, Micky van de Ven, Marco Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, Kevin Danso, Pedro Porro, and Djed Spence.
Midfielders: Xavi Simons, James Maddison, Conor Gallagher, Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali (from Newcastle United), Archie Gray, Pape Matar Sarr.