Tottenham Hotspur face an interesting summer transfer window as Roberto De Zerbi looks to reshape his squad
Tottenham Hotspur are facing a pivotal summer transfer window after surviving the threat of relegation on the final day of the season. Roberto De Zerbi achieved his initial objective but has made it clear that he does not want to find himself in another relegation battle next term.
Spurs have finished 17th in back-to-back campaigns and will need to rely on recruitment to help improve their fortunes. Given the injury woes that have also plagued Tottenham in recent years, a fully-fit squad would also help strengthen De Zerbi’s team.
"From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team. I think we have now to change too many players,” the Spurs boss said after avoiding relegation. "We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay.”
It looks set to be a busy summer for Tottenham as the manager seeks to overhaul his squad. football.london looks at how De Zerbi’s dream XI may line up next season.
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In goal, Antonin Kinsky overcame his previous setbacks to stake his claim as first-choice, even if Spurs sign a new shot-stopper this summer. The 23-year-old played seven league games while Guglielmo Vicario, who has been linked with a move away, was recovering from injury and proved to be well-suited to De Zerbi’s style of play.
Spurs have made strengthening their defence a top priority after finding themselves at the wrong end of the table. Andy Robertson brings valuable experience at left-back after joining as a free agent from Liverpool and the Scotland international will hope to start the season ahead of Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence in the pecking order. Pedro Porro keeps his right-back berth.
Centre-back is a position that has captured attention. The club have agreed a move in principle for Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi and have had an opening bid rejected for Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke , who previously played under De Zerbi at the Seagulls.
The Dutch defender will know what the Spurs boss expects and would fit seamlessly into the Tottenham team if a deal can be agreed making him a perfect signing for De Zerbi, though this does raise further questions about Cristian Romero’s future. Micky van de Ven will slot in on the left side of a newly-formed centre-back partnership, keeping his place ahead of summer signing Senesi.
In midfield, Joao Palhinha impressed during his loan spell from Bayern Munich and wants to join Spurs on a permanent basis. Several players can be paired with the Portugal international but De Zerbi placed his faith in Rodrigo Bentancur during the final run-in last season.
James Maddison was also able to return to fitness for the final few games of the campaign and will be eager to make up for lost time, though he faces tough competition from Xavi Simons. Tottenham missed Maddison’s creativity in attacking midfield, particularly as many of their other forward options also battled injury problems.
Dejan Kulsevski is another player who could feel like a new signing on the right flank after missing the whole season through injury as he nears a return to fitness. On the left wing, the club have reignited their interest in Manchester City's Savinho .
The 22-year-old has shown plenty of promise during his time at City, who reportedly value the Brazilian at £50m, and Tottenham could offer the winger regular minutes. Up front, Dominic Solanke will lead the line for Spurs, despite the club being in the market for a new striker.