Roberto De Zerbi wants to make wholesale changes to the Tottenham Hotspur squad this summer, and Johan Lange has already lined up a few deals ahead of the transfer window.
Tottenham Hotspur have already begun preparations for next season, with Roberto De Zerbi eager to build a new team from scratch. As soon as it was confirmed that the Lilywhites had avoided relegation from the Premier League, the 47-year-old immediately turned his attention to the transfer window.
Speaking to reporters following the nervy win over Everton on the final day of the campaign, De Zerbi raised eyebrows when he suggested that half of the squad could be axed this summer. The Italian said: "From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team.
"I think we have now 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."
Then, in an interview with club media once the dust had settled, De Zerbi doubled down. He said: "I'm looking forward to build a new team. I'm looking forward to call 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," added De Zerbi. "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."
So, with that being said, football.london has looked at what business Tottenham have already done ahead of the summer transfer window.
De Zerbi signs Premier League-proven stars
The Lilywhites have already welcomed a couple of new faces to Hotspur Way this summer, and De Zerbi seems determined to bolster his squad with Premier League-proven talent. Tottenham began by signing Andrew Robertson on a free transfer from Liverpool.
The Spurs boss described him as a 'proven winner', who will add 'technical quality, experience, leadership and mentality' to the team. Johan Lange also pointed out that Robertson's 'professionalism and commitment' will be 'invaluable to the development of the squad'.
Then, before Senesi earned a late call-up to the Argentina squad at the World Cup, the Lilywhites wrapped up another deal. Tottenham signed the 29-year-old centre-back on a free transfer from Bournemouth.
Singing from the same hymn sheet, the Tottenham sporting director noted Senesi's 'combination of quality, intelligence and leadership' as a factor behind his arrival. Meanwhile, among his many attractive traits, De Zerbi expressed fondness for his 'personality to thrive in a demanding environment'.
To arrive: Andrew Robertson and Marco Senesi.
Bissouma leads mass Tottenham exodus
Yves Bissouma headlined the waves of departures from Hotspur Way earlier this month. The 29-year-old midfielder, whom Tottenham signed from Brighton for £30m during the summer of 2022, didn't have the desired impact in north London, and his final season was plagued with injury problems.
He was followed out the back door by a handful of under-21 and under-18 players, who had enjoyed varying levels of success in the academy over the years. An official statement from the club reads: "We extend our grateful thanks to all departing players and their families for their contributions to the club and wish them every success in the future."