Tottenham Hotspur have already been busy in the transfer window and are reportedly targeting Newcastle's Sandro Tonali and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford
Tottenham Hotspur could field a markedly different side at the start of the new season. Manager Roberto De Zerbi has wasted no time in rebuilding his squad after fighting for Premier League survival last term.
The Spurs boss was candid about the need for summer signings on the final day of the campaign. "I think we have now to change too many players," De Zerbi admitted. "We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay."
The club have seized the initiative in the transfer window, swooping in for Liverpool legend Andy Robertson and Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi as free agents. Jan Paul van Hecke has also reunited with his former Brighton boss De Zerbi after the defender sealed his £52million move.
Spurs’ transfer business is far from done as the club saw an £80m bid rejected for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali and have also been linked with England forward Marcus Rashford. Here is a look at how De Zerbi’s side could potentially line up if Tottenham land those marquee targets.
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In goal, Guglielmo Vicario could keep his place between the sticks. Antonin Kinsky impressed in the Italian’s absence last season but Vicario should still be considered first-choice. The 29-year-old has been linked with a return to Italy, though, given the changes being made in other areas of the team, De Zerbi may opt to keep Vicario to avoid overhauling another part of his side.
Pedro Porro will keep his spot at right-back as the Spain international recently signed a new long-term contract with the club. On the opposite flank, Destiny Udogie should start the season in the team, but will be aware that the experienced Andy Robertson is waiting to take his place.
Jan Paul van Hecke is the first new signing to appear in this starting XI after being sought out by De Zerbi. The 26-year-old will be expected to immediately slot in as the right-sided centre-back, casting doubt over Cristian Romero’s place within the squad.
He could form a formidable partnership with compatriot Micky van de Ven . The Dutchman has been linked with a summer exit and keeping hold of the defender would be another statement of intent from Tottenham.
In midfield, Sandro Tonali's arrival at Spurs would truly underline the club’s ambition to get back among the Champions League places next term. ChronicleLive has reported that Spurs’ £80m offer was rejected as Newcastle value the midfielder at around £100m.
If Tottenham meet Newcastle’s valuation and fight off rival interest in Tonali, he could slot in alongside Conor Gallagher in the middle of the park. The 26-year-old regularly featured under De Zerbi last season and could have the licence to be a box-to-box player next to Tonali, though Spurs have several other midfielders also jostling for position.
James Maddison was sorely missed in attacking midfield before overcoming his injury issues last season and will be keen to make up for lost time. Similarly, Dejan Kulusevski would be a new option for De Zerbi on the right wing when the forward returns to fitness.
Marcus Rashford would be another marquee signing for Spurs, following his eye-catching loan spell at Barcelona. The i paper reports that Spurs are unwilling to meet a £40m clause for the Manchester United forward, who is claimed to prefer a move abroad, but completing a deal for the 28-year-old would be another sign of De Zerbi’s ambition.
Up front, Dominic Solanke remains Tottenham’s top striker. The forward is another who will hope to get back to his best next term after an injury-hit campaign.
Overall, Van Hecke’s £52m move should bolster Spurs’ defence and he is already accustomed to De Zerbi’s style of play. However, it is through signing £100m-rated Tonali and meeting the reported £40m price for Rashford that Tottenham can re-establish themselves as contenders for a Champions League spot after finishing 17th for consecutive seasons.