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Roberto De Zerbi has only been at Tottenham Hotspur for a few months.

However, it is already clear that the academy will likely play into his thinking throughout his tenure.

Pre-season is the perfect chance to get a glimpse of the young talent pushing through in N17 and give them that experience of training around some of the best players.

The Italian has gone far beyond that, though, with his usage of the youth throughout the build-up to the 2026-2027 season quite high.

That trust has been rewarded with the London club currently unbeaten in their pre-season outings so far.

And three Tottenham youth stars could be in line for future first-team chances in competitive settings this season based on these friendlies.

Which three Tottenham youngsters look set for increased role?

Seeing youth come through and make a difference is one of the best feelings as a football fan.

There is just something unique about one of your own becoming a success, and Tottenham look to have a promising group of talent.

As shared by Lilywhite Rose on X, there are three Tottenham academy stars among De Zerbi's most-used players in pre-season so far.

In terms of minutes, Malachi Hardy (193'), Tye Hall (170'), and Rio Kyerematen (158') are in third, fourth and fifth, respectively.

With only Manor Solomon (211') and Archie Gray (218') above them.

While it is just pre-season, it does prove that De Zerbi is not shy to turn to youth and that will be a big boost for all the talent at Hotspur Way.

And as Tottenham News has shared, Spurs insider John Wenham believes those such as Hardy could be in De Zerbi's plans this season.

At the very least, this pre-season has proved to the young roster of Spurs players that there is a pathway forward.

All the Tottenham youngsters training with first team as Malachi Hardy now involved What is Tottenham's pathway like under Thomas Frank?

Although Thomas Frank was not at Tottenham long, there was little usage of youth during his time.

Only really 17-year-old Jun'ai Byfield and Luca Williams-Barnett were handed chances and in the case of the latter, he only got three minutes in the Carabao Cup.

The 17-year-old is out injured, which is why we was not on the most recent pre-season tour.

Dane Scarlett was also frequently used by Frank with five appearances. But with him being 21 years old at the time and having broke through years before, he is more closer to being an established senior player than youth.

De Zerbi's personal touch seals the deal

Fernandes has detailed how a relentless pursuit by Roberto De Zerbi convinced him to choose Tottenham over a potential move to Man United. The 22-year-old, who arrived in a deal worth a staggering £85 million, explained that the manager's commitment to his family was a deciding factor. The Portuguese midfielder emphasised that the emotional connection forged during these talks outweighed other offers on the table.

"The way he [De Zerbi] spoke with me and my family was very important for me," Fernandes said in an interview with The Athletic. "He was calling me every day, so I'm very happy to work with him, and hopefully we can do great things.

"It was more about [forming a] connection, because my dad and my mum don't speak English very well. It was more about feelings. He said he would take care of me, that he would be my second dad in England. I'm very happy to work with him."

Porro's late-night recruitment drive

While the manager provided the emotional security, World Cup winner Pedro Porro acted as the unofficial chief scout. Porro and Fernandes had previously played together at Sporting CP, and the defender was determined to reunite with his friend. Fernandes recalled a humorous exchange where he missed a call from the Spanish international because he was asleep, only to find a persistent message waiting for him once he finally woke up.

Fernandes revealed the content of that message: "He called me one day, I didn't answer because I was sleeping. He said, in Portuguese, 'Come on Mateus, you need to play with us, we want you. It was me that told the manager to bring you.' Then when everything was done, I spoke with him a bit about the club, the mentality in the team, the team-mates as well. He's an important player. He's one of the best right-backs in the world. He's a top guy."

Immediate impact and pre-season heroics

The investment is already looking like money well spent after Fernandes enjoyed a dream debut against MK Dons. The midfielder scored a sensational volley on his first outing, which he later described as the finest strike of his career. "It was great, no? It was my favourite goal of my career by a mile," he remarked. "The second one was last season. I need to do this more, to shoot outside the box. I know I can do it."

Despite Fernandes' early heroics, De Zerbi has been cautious with his new star's fitness during the remainder of the pre-season tour. After missing the victory over Chelsea, the manager was quick to play down any injury fears. "Mateus Fernandes can be available right now to play but we don't want to take any risks with him," De Zerbi confirmed.

The one that got away for Real Madrid

Tottenham's successful swoop is even more impressive given the level of competition for his signature earlier in the window. It has emerged that Real Madrid passed on Fernandes after Jorge Mendes had initially reached an agreement with the Spanish giants.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi said he was "happy for a lot of things" as they return to London unbeaten in three pre-season games after a 2-1 win over Chelsea in Sydney.

The Italian spent more a week in New Zealand and Australia with his squad as he builds towards the new Premier League campaign where they aim to do better than their 17th place last season.

They head home after beating Auckland FC 2-0, recording a shootout win after a 1-1 draw with Sydney FC and a gutsy victory over their London rivals on Saturday despite playing most of the second half with 10 men.

"I'm happy for a lot of things. First of all, because we have spent a very important 10 days together. We worked very well," he said.

"I'm happy to work with these players. I'm looking forward to work with the other players who are in London -- (Rodrigo) Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, (Marcos) Senesi, (Mohammed) Kudus. "

Bentancur, Matar Sarr and Senesi all played at the World Cup while Kudus is recovering from an injury.

The tour gave De Zerbi an opportunity to give game time to a host of promising youngsters, as well as new signings Sandro Tonali, Andy Robertson and Marco Palestra.

He highlighted the importance of Tonali, Archie Gray, Ben Davies, Robertson and Lucas Bergvall, who all played a big part in the Chelsea victory which was sealed by Richarlison's 90th minute winner.

But the Italian also pinpointed several future prospects.

"I am so happy for the young players because Malachi (Hardy), Rio (Kyerematen), Tye (Hall), Kota (Takai), they have been in this period very important for us, very good players."

De Zerbi was particularly pleased with the way Spurs kept their composure when defender Kevin Danso was sent off for a reckless challenge three minutes into the second half against Chelsea.

He wants to see similar fight when Spurs kick off their Premier League campaign against Brentford on August 22.

"It's important to change the habits, because our habits in the last two seasons have been not good in terms of results," he said.

"It's important for us to win the game, to win the duels, to win the second ball and to play well in every position of the pitch. But yes, a very good 10 days."

Spurs play back-to-back friendlies against German side TSG Hoffenheim at home before the season starts.

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Lucas Bergvall's transfer value is being overinflated, as the Tottenham Hotspur gem seeks a move away this summer.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the 20-year-old has not done enough to warrant a huge price tag yet.

It was revealed last month that Bergvall had informed Tottenham of his desire to leave in search of more consistent game time.

Since then, a whole host of interested clubs, including Sunderland, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, have emerged, but Spurs are holding out for £50million.

This is just two summers on from his £9m arrival from Djurgarden, with the Lilywhites hoping to make a huge profit despite him only making 79 appearances.

All of these factors combined has left one finance expert stunned, as multiple players of the same age continue to fetch eye-watering fees this summer.

Tottenham holding out for huge profit on Lucas Bergvall

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson believes that young gems are having their prices inflated before proving themselves at a decent level.

"It's very hard to know what the right price is for players at the moment, particularly young players," he said.

"People talk about the price at the top, these ones over £100million. And the more surprising thing is almost any player that's under 23 years old that's got some quality has a base price of €40m (£34.2m).

"These players have done nothing, barely played or played a handful of games. I just don't see any real way in which you can position evaluation between €50m (£42.7m) and €60m (£51.3m).

"Who says he's €50m? Who says he's €60m? It's very finger in the air. The player hasn't really done much. He looks like a decent prospect, but he wants to go."

Tottenham want to sell player for big profit who's 'two levels below Martin Odegaard' - Spurs recruitment expert Nottingham Forest fans say the same thing after latest Lucas Bergvall twist Who else could Roberto De Zerbi cash in on?

Bergvall is unlikely to be the only player who departs the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the coming weeks, especially after the business done so far.

Big-money deals for Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke will need to be balanced out by outgoings before the season starts.

It would appear that it's only a matter of time before Cristian Romero leaves, while Guglielmo Vicario, Pape Sarr and Richarlison spark interest.

Roberto De Zerbi's current squad is just far too big as it is. The new manager will need to cut some of the deadwood in order to balance the books.

Everton could have signed Mohammed Kudus before he went to Ajax but failed to get a deal done.

That is according to former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 25-year-old is now at Tottenham after joining from West Ham last summer in a deal worth around £55million.

Kudus excelled for the Hammers and is expected to prove to be a superb signing for the Lilywhites, despite an injury-hit first campaign.

In many ways, he is exactly the type of player that Everton could have used on their wings, bringing pace, flair and technical quality.

The Toffees look set to lose Iliman Ndiaye to Al Hilal this summer amid ongoing talks and will be forced to look elsewhere.

Mohammed Kudus could have been an Everton player

Kudus first began to catch the eye at the Right to Dream academy in Ghana, before he was signed by FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark.

The then-18-year-old joined Ajax in 2020 for a fee in the region of £8m, and it was there that he began to thrive.

The 2022-23 season saw Kudus net 18 goals and provide six assists across all competitions, encouraging West Ham to spend £38m to sign him. Everton could have had an in long before that, however.

"I've watched Kudus ever since he was an FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark, that's the first time I saw him," long-time Moyes ally King told Football Insider. "It's funnily enough because we had a look at him at Everton and it was David Moyes who signed him at West Ham.

"He was definitely on the radar at Everton when I was there. He's just arrived from Ghana from the Right to Dream Academy. They've got a tie-up with FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark because the local owns Nordsjaelland.

"I think he's one of the main money men behind the Right to Dream school that they had in Ghana. I like Kudus from when he was very young. He's quick, very direct.

"He did well in the Danish Premier League. I thought he should have made the move to the Premier League at that time, but then it was a good step for him again.

"I bet it's funny, Moyes, thinking about that he could have probably come to Everton. Then he ended up paying £38m for him, which was a good bit of business by Ajax."

Everton Insider shares club's planned Iliman Ndiaye replacement: 'The name I've seen...' Kudus set for key Tottenham season

Kudus got off to a brilliant start last season for Tottenham and had a goal and four assists in the Premier League by the start of October.

As the Lilywhites began to struggle, so did he, and a significant hamstring injury suffered in January ended his first campaign.

The winger is said to now be closing in on a return to full fitness after suffering a setback in April, ahead of what will be a key season for him.

"Kudus is very close. I think when we come back to London he will be available to start working with us," Roberto De Zerbi confirmed last week.

West Ham target Manor Solomon wants to leave Tottenham Hotspur permanently, and the North Londoners are willing to oblige.

West Ham are on the lookout for a new star winger after seeing Crysencio Summerville move to Al-Hilal. WHUFC are interested in Sorba Thomas, but another option on their radar is Manor Solomon.

The Daily Mail has shared a boost for the Hammers and their potential interest. They state that Solomon is determined to leave Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent basis this summer after loans away with Leeds United, Villarreal and Fiorentina over the past two seasons.

Spurs are ready to oblige too. They will be willing to let go of Solomon to recoup and fee and upgrade their own options on the wings, it is added.

Why Manor Solomon could be an exciting Crysencio Summerville replacement for West Ham

Solomon started out in his native Israel before making a name for himself at Shakhtar Donetsk. It was his success there that earned him a loan chance with Fulham, and from there, he was snapped up by Spurs.

Things haven’t gone as hoped for the 27-year-old in London, but we have still seen glimpses of his ability on these shores. Solomon was a standout player for Leeds United when they won promotion to the Premier League in the 2024/25 season and he could hold a similar role with West Ham.

He took a bit of time to warm up at Elland Road, but the second half of the season was electric from Solomon. He locked down the place on Daniel Farke’s left-hand side and starred on their way to the Championship title.

Although another drop to the Championship may not appeal to Solomon, but WHUFC are intent on returning to the Premier League at the first time of asking. That could give him the chance to finally crack England’s top flight, and all without moving away from London.

Manor Solomon’s Championship stats

The Verdict: Sorba vs Solomon on the West Ham wing

West Ham have two exciting targets on the radar in their left winger hunt. Sorba Thomas and Manor Solomon both feel like feasible additions, and they would offer similar output too.

Thomas is more athletic and is adept at providing the same creative threat from the right-hand side if Nuno Espirito Santo decided to make a shift. However, given his importance to Championship rivals Stoke City, he could prove more expensive.

Solomon’s experience at a higher level means he would be backed to really star in the second tier, and he could manage the step up too. His wages may be more lucrative though.

WHUFC have plenty of factors to weigh up with Thomas and Solomon both eyed.

Micky van de Ven and James Maddison have nodded towards their choice for Tottenham Hotspur's next captain.

The Lilywhites look likely to be on the lookout for a new skipper as Cristian Romero edges towards the exit door.

It wouldn't be a surprise if the Argentina international left after some frustrating spells in North London.

That leaves the door open for someone else to take up the mantle under Roberto De Zerbi.

There are many candidates who have been discussed as fans speculate who could secure the role.

Maddison and van de Ven who have been put forward, but they seem to have an eye on one of their teammates instead.

Archie Gray central to glowing captaincy reference

There has been no formal decision over who could take the armband ready for the new campaign.

There are so many stars who could fit the bill, but pre-season will give a good example.

Spurs have begun their summer preparations with friendlies against MK Dons and Auckland.

Against the latter, the Lilywhites secured a 2-0 win and Archie Gray wore the armand.

That certainly caught the eye of fans and appears to have gone down well in the dressing room.

The 20-year-old took to Instagram on Monday to share images of him as skipper, sparking reaction from van de Ven and Maddison.

The Dutchman reacted, simply saying: "skipper," while Maddison was more animated in his comment, "Captain Gray yanaaaaaa".

It seems as if Gray wearing the armband has gone down well with the squad, so why not give him it on a permanent basis?

Why Archie Gray is now primed for early Tottenham captaincy audition vs Auckland Why Gray could be ideal Tottenham captain

Sometimes, an outside shout for skipper could be the best option.

The Englishman may be young, but has the experience to make him a leader.

With 133 senior career appearances under his belt, that can't be argued.

Gray has also become someone to rely on whatever position he plays, with his passion noticeably unmatched in the hard times.

Having made 20 appearances as a centre-back, 33 in central midfield, 18 at full-back or three out wide, he has proven himself in all of them.

The ex-Leeds talent featured across 1479 Premier League minutes last season and in that time put up some notable numbers.

He chipped in with 133 defensive actions while also adding in with 57 recoveries.

His defensive work is proven by the fact he was only dribbled past once all year.

Gray could improve in attacking areas, but as someone who knows what to do and can set the standards, he may prove to be one of the best captain choices this summer.

Micky van de Ven believes Tottenham have “new ambition” after a £237million summer spending spree, with the rumoured Liverpool target insisting the future looks bright in north London.

After Spurs narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, majority owners the Lewis family promised to be “all in” to fund the required rebuild and six arrivals have followed.

Tottenham have broken their transfer record twice, firstly for £85m midfielder Mateus Fernandes before a £100m package secured Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, and Van de Ven acknowledged Europe is the aim for a club which has finished 17th two years in a row.

Liverpool sale 'essential' before Bradley Barcola arrival as approach made for £43m talent

Bradley Barcola 'wants agreement now with Liverpool' who are seeking PSG compromise

Liverpool have been linked with the Dutch defender in dispatches, although the ECHO understands the Reds have never acted upon any potential interest in him.

“It’s really good that you can see the club has made some changes,” Van de Ven told British media on Spurs’ pre-season tour of Australia.

“They have brought a really good new manager, in my opinion, and some really good new signings. You can see the club has new ambition. It’s something that’s really important for players that have been there for a long time.

“Spurs is a team that needs to play Europe every year, so obviously the European spots are something we are going to aim for. The most important thing is we play our football and that we are a difficult team to play against.”

It has been 12 months of change at Tottenham with long-serving chairman Daniel Levy exiting in September, months after a Europa League triumph which ended a 17-year trophy drought.

Levy’s departure was followed by another spell of poor form, which resulted in Thomas Frank being dismissed in February before interim boss Igor Tudor only lasted seven games.

However, with the Lewis family holding more power and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham tasked with turning around Spurs’ fortunes, De Zerbi was hired in March and Van de Ven backed the Italian to bring back the attacking flair lacking under Frank.

Van de Ven added: “It’s going to be different compared to the former manager we had last season. It’s going to be more with the ball, more playing football. I think it’s going to be more enjoyable for people to watch playing offensive football.”

Manor Solomon has already made quite the impact since returning to Tottenham Hotspur from his six-month loan in Serie A.

The 27-year-old winger was shipped out on two separate loan deals during the 2025-26 campaign, notching a total of three goals and six assists for Fiorentina and Villarreal.

A lot has been made about his future in North London, especially with Roberto De Zerbi now at the wheel, but all signs point to another exit.

Once Wilson Odobert returns from injury, and if Mikey Moore remains at Tottenham, Mathys Tel is going to have some serious competition on the left flank.

Despite having two of those names available right now, Solomon has still been given the chance to impress during pre-season, doing so against Auckland.

In a 2-0 win for the Premier League side, the winger played a total of 79 minutes, and even won FotMob's Player of the Match award on Sunday, 26 July.

Manor Solomon is rediscovering his Leeds United form

The Israeli international, who recently relived his Leeds United glory days in an interview, was one of the best players on the pitch.

It might be enough to convince De Zerbi that he deserves a place in his squad next season, but it may also catch Daniel Farke's attention once again.

In 79 minutes, he created six chances, the most of anyone on the pitch, had a shot on target, had nine touches in the opposition box, and missed one big chance.

He also completed 80 per cent of his dribbles, made six recoveries, and entered into nine recoveries, proving himself at both ends of the field.

Solomon is exactly the kind of figure that Leeds will be looking for this summer, and the club have certainly not shied away from splashing the cash.

Leeds told '£20m' bid will be accepted after Manor Solomon's admission Manor Solomon surely set for second chance at Tottenham as Roberto De Zerbi comments resurface How much would Daniel Farke's side need to spend?

Solomon has two years left on his contract, but recent seasons have shown just how difficult he finds it to break through in North London.

This has been under several different managers, so that might say more about him than anything else. Farke got the best out of him, though.

Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Spurs would accept a bid in the region of £20million, and that's a deal that would make sense at Elland Road.

Dan James continued to struggle with his fitness, Willy Gnonto is being tipped for an exit again, and Harry Wilson cannot play every game.

Solomon could be the perfect bargain buy this summer, but it's down to Leeds to listen to his come-get-me performance against Aukland.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have already fallen head over heels for their new £85million signing Mateus Fernandes.

The Portuguese midfielder was a huge acquisition for the North Londoners earlier this summer, as they raided their close rivals West Ham to secure his signature.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout season for the Irons last time out, and is already showing signs of becoming a fan favourite at his new club.

Fernandes netted a stunning first-time volley in the recent clash with MK Dons behind closed doors, and he dazzled his new fans again during Sunday's meeting with Auckland FC.

The starlet was only introduced into the action by Roberto De Zerbi in the 62nd minute, but he quickly became a driving force for his team.

Goals from Dane Scarlett and Richarlison saw the tourists cruise to a 2-0 victory, but it was Fernandes' cameo that stole the show once again.

Mateus Fernandes is 'everything' Spurs 'have ever wanted'

Tottenham will be expecting Fernandes to make a huge impact for them this term, given the fee that they splashed out to bring him in.

The new man is already winning over his new fanbase, who have been raving about him on X after the win over Auckland.

In 28 minutes of action, the former Southampton man completed 23 accurate passes, many of which drove his team forward or opened up a gap in the opposition's defence.

His display has sent Spurs fans into raptures, with many already believing that they have a future superstar on their hands.

One fan took to X to point out that the youngster is "going to change our lives," while another labelled him "everything" that the fanbase have "ever wanted."

Another supporter branded Fernandes' passing as "gorgeous," while another called it "unbelievable."

Fernandes' desire to play forward when he got the ball also caught the attention, with several supporters pointing out the drastic change from some of the club's previous midfielders.

Cristian Romero: 'Clear front-runners' emerge in race to sign Tottenham star 'Clear front-runners' to sign Cristian Romero revealed

Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider this week that Atletico Madrid are the "clear front-runners" to sign centre-back Cristian Romero this summer.

The Argentine is being heavily linked with a move away from North London once again this summer, after another campaign of controversial moments.

Atletico have been strong admirers of the 28-year-old for several years now, and Brown is in no doubt that their Argentine contingent will already be "getting in his ear" over a move.

Real Madrid have also been linked with Romero in the past, but their city rivals remain in pole position to get a deal done.