Football365

Signings of the summer, ahoy.

It may be a bit early, but we can still have some fun and back these 10 players to become roaring successes at their new clubs.

We want to view the transfer fee as somewhat irrelevant but it’s just impossible, isn’t it? It works both ways as well. For all the reservations about £85m Mateus Fernandes and £117m Morgan Rogers, Andy Robertson to Tottenham is an especially good signing because he cost nothing.

You see our conundrum, don’t you?

We shouldn’t disregard someone like Rogers because he is the most expensive British player ever, but he joins Chelsea under immense pressure to hit the ground running. Is he a £117m footballer? Absolutely not. But he can only do his absolute best to somewhat justify such a ridiculous price tag.

Without further ado, we have ranked the top 10 Premier League signings made so far in the 2026 summer transfer window.

We are regrettably giving in to the clamour after a superb World Cup showing.

Manzambi gets in ahead of a host of honourable mentions we are very excited about. Chelsea’s signings of Maxence Lacroix and Morgan Rogers miss out, as do Pascal Struijk’s £20m move to Brighton, Christos Tzolis’ £34m switch to Arsenal, Tottenham’s £85m signing of Mateus Fernandes, Hayden Hackney’s £16.5m move to Everton, and the free transfers of Andy Robertson to Tottenham and Xaver Schlager to Nottingham Forest.

Manzambi was a revelation at the World Cup for Switzerland and has the versatility to become a key player for Villa, especially after Rogers’ departure.

He makes this incredible XI of transfer targets Newcastle United have missed out on since being taken over by PIF.

We trust Bournemouth. They are good at transfers.

There is a bit of a Big Six bias to these embryonic rankings because we don’t know an awful lot about the players signed by your Bournemouths and Brightons until the Premier League season gets underway.

Not only do we trust Bournemouth, but we also feel these clubs deserve some representation and Rodriguez is a player we can see doing very well in the 2026/27 Premier League.

We regret to say that Brighton might have done it again.

Vuskovic is a more high-profile and expensive signing than usual from the transfer experts on the south coast, having joined for a club-record fee, which we still think is a coup.

The 19-year-old Croatian was fantastic on loan at Hamburg last season and several Spurs supporters cannot wrap their heads around this sale. He had the potential to become their very own William Saliba but was instead abandoned for shinier new toys in Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, who moved in the opposite direction for £6m more and only goes down as an honourable mention despite us rating the deal very highly.

Eighth doesn’t do Vuskovic justice because he is a serious, dare we say generational, talent. Watch him leave Brighton for £100m in 2028.

Villa’s signing of Wolves midfielder Gomes has flown under the radar. At £38m, he is a savvy addition and a brilliant replacement for Youri Tielemans, who joined Manchester United for £3m less.

Only Elliot Anderson (465) won more duels in the Premier League last season than Gomes (402), who also ranked third for tackles (107) and fourth for ball recoveries (190).

The fact Gomes looked so good in that Wolves team is testament enough.

Fee aside, it’s difficult to pick any holes in this transfer.

Tonali was an Arsenal and Manchester City target after establishing himself as one of the best central midfielders in Europe, yet he joined Tottenham on the back of consecutive 17th-place finishes. Money talks, sure, but it’s still one hell of a statement signing.

Tonali’s 2025/26 wasn’t his best, but he was operating in a shambolic Newcastle team and only a year earlier was performing at a level we deemed higher than any other midfielder in England, excluding Rodri.

He has the ability to completely transform this Spurs midfield. We are still scratching our heads at how they pulled this off. But, listen, fair play.

READ: Tonali to Tottenham would prove the Big Six has been protected forever

Tielemans is a very solid addition to the Manchester United midfield, and for a very respectable price.

There are one or two concerns around this transfer, mainly his injury record and age (29), but it really is a risk-free deal for the fee. It’s obviously a lot of money in the grand scheme of things, but not for Manchester United and certainly not for a player of Tielemans’ quality.

The Belgian’s move came out of the blue but has been warmly welcomed by the Red Devils fanbase, who now have two new midfielders after Andrey Santos also joined from Chelsea for big money, with a third expected to follow.

Wilson’s 10-goal, seven-assist 2025/26 Premier League campaign caught most by surprise, but when you realise it came in a contract-expiry year, it all makes sense.

Leeds will hope Wilson’s form was not a flash in the pan and, if he can maintain his level from last term, he could go down as one of the signings of the season next May.

Bloody love a free transfer, we do.

Spurs have landed one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in Europe for nothing and, given their wide representation in this top 10, seem destined for a strong season.

Another bottom-half finish would be a massive shock after consecutive 17th-place finishes and, in a summer full of impressive signings, we have Senesi down as Spurs’ best pound-for-pound addition.

Hypocrites? Not quite. Anderson feels nailed on to be a success at Manchester City. Sure, £116m is mental, but a fee in the region of £100m felt reasonable in the modern market, while Rogers felt closer to an £80-90m player – the sort of ballpark Arsenal were playing in, but not Chelsea.

Anderson’s numbers last season were extraordinary and a move to City felt inevitable for months after he ran the show for Nottingham Forest and established himself as England’s first-choice No.6.

Not only has Anderson solved a problem position for the Three Lions, but he will be City’s midfield general for years to come and is an adequate replacement for Rodri, who should have been impossible to replace.

Anderson is so good that his extortionate fee does not bother us in the slightest.

We know it’s not done, but it’s as good as done. And if it falls through, what repercussions will we face, if any? Exactly.

The fact we clearly rate the signing of Trafford so highly is the exception to the rule. There are so many aspects that make this an astronomical signing for Leeds United.

The biggest thing is that a problem position has been fixed. And this is one of the biggest problem positions of all problem positions. Karl Darlow actually did a fantastic job in goal last season but was never the long-term answer and has left for Manchester United anyway. Lucas Perri was brought in last summer and seemed like a sensible solution, only to disappoint and lose his place to a 35-year-old Darlow.

This summer’s goalkeeper signing is on a completely different level.

Trafford will join Leeds in a deal worth at least £40m on a long-term contract. At just 23 years old, he arrives as a full England international and the expected successor to Jordan Pickford as the Three Lions’ No.1, which will probably happen after Euro 2028, if not sooner.

Signed last summer to become Manchester City’s No.1, Trafford was blindsided by the irresistible arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma and spent the vast majority of last season on the bench. When given the chance to impress in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, the former Burnley shot-stopper was excellent.

Leeds have got themselves an outstanding young goalkeeper whose sky is the limit. Hats off.

Atletico Madrid are reportedly exploring the conditions of a deal for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, who Inter Milan are trying to sign, but it’s ‘complicated’ due to the finances.

Romero is the main name set to exit north London this season. His desire to leave has been evident for months, and multiple sides have been credited with interest.

The Tottenham man has been linked with Atletico, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan.

It’s Inter who are currently pushing hardest – in club-to-club talks with Spurs as well as having reportedly held talks with Romero’s agents.

But per the Daily Mail, it’s been confirmed that deal will be ‘complicated’ due to the financial package.

That could give Atleti a window to the deal, as it’s said they have rekindled their interest in Romero and are now exploring the figures to land the defender.

Tottenham demands clear

Our friends are TEAMtalk have revealed Tottenham want to make around €50million (£42.8m) from Romero’s exit, while Inter have opened negotiations with a €40million (£34.2m) bid, structured as a loan with an option to buy.

Negotiations are still said to be progressing, with optimism that a compromise can be reached on the price.

It’s Romero’s salary demands which are believed to be causing the biggest issue currently.

He’s believed to be seeking €6.5million (£5.6m) per season, while Inter want to pay closer to €5million (£4.3m).

That tracks with the suggestion that the financial package will complicate a deal to the Serie A giants.

READ: Five Tottenham targets who could join soon after De Zerbi ‘bomba’ admission

Whether Atletico will be more willing to pay both what Tottenham and Romero want to receive remains to be seen.

However, it looks very likely that Romero will be heading somewhere from Spurs this summer, and manager Roberto De Zerbi has essentially confirmed as much.

He said: “After the [World Cup] semi-final we text a message, but I never called him to convince him to stay. I respected what he told me. Like for [Guglielmo] Vicario, like for every player.

“Romero as a player is one of the best centre-backs in the world, but at the end I said I want to respect the will of the players.”

For Vicario, too, a move back to Serie A looks likely, as Juventus and Napoli are currently pressing for the signing of the goalkeeper.

Tottenham reportedly have five winger targets under consideration as Roberto De Zerbi admitted that another transfer could be close.

Spurs have been quick out of the blocks this summer with the Tottenham hierarchy getting six new signings over the line early on in the window.

Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation at the end of last season with the Spurs board determined to make sure they don’t find themselves in a similar position again next term.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have all joined on free transfers, while Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke all arrived for fees totalling £237m.

Tottenham are not done there though as they look to improve their attack next with a winger and a striker on their radar before the end of the transfer window.

Speaking earlier this week, De Zerbi admitting that “we have another bomba” signing on the way after all their early exploits in the market.

READ: De Zerbi informs Spence of exit decision as Euro giants advance on fellow Tottenham left-back

De Zerbi said: “In the transfer market when I want one player I become like a shark, no chance to say no!

“The transfer market, it’s not finished for sure, but we completed 60 per cent of our project in the transfer market. Now we have another bomba!”

On whether the player was an attacker, De Zerbi added:”I hope, but it’s not finished for sure.

“A lot of players you are watching now on the pitch started from mid-March. The plan was clear at the beginning. The big problem was to stay up and play in the Premier League again.”

Tottenham have five wingers under consideration

Man City winger Savinho has been heavily linked as their likely next signing but TEAMtalk insists that Tottenham have told the Citizens that they ‘want a final answer on Savinho before the weekend or they will walk away from the deal and move on to alternative targets.’

And the “bomba” De Zerbi is talking about is likely to be Savinho or another winger with Antonio Nusa, Cody Gakpo, Rafael Leao and Jadon Sancho all identified as alternative targets to the Brazilian.

READ: De Zerbi a fan of second Man City forward as insider discusses Tottenham links with four superstars

De Zerbi also revealed that he will respect the wishes of Cristian Romero and Guglielmo Vicario to move on this summer, the Tottenham boss continued: “At the beginning of my time, in April, I had, I don’t know, one million individual meetings!

“And [the players] told me what was their idea. I said: ‘Yes, help me to stay up, and then I help you to leave’. If you don’t help me to stay up, you stay underwater with me!

“But Romero with me was unbelievable. Top. In his behaviour, his respect, he suffered when he did not play the last game. It is not true that he wanted to leave for Argentina to prepare for their World Cup. It’s not true.

“After the semi-final [against England] we text a message, but I never called him to convince him to stay. I respected what he told me. Like for Vicario, like for every player.”

De Zerbi added: “Romero as a player is one of the best centre-backs in the world, but at the end I said I want to respect the will of the players.”

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi is said to be an ‘admirer’ of a second Manchester City star as he pushes Spurs towards the capture of Savinho.

Spurs have sorted their defence this summer, with the signings of Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke. They’ve also gone hard in the midfield, parting with £185million for Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

It’s now time for forward moves, with De Zerbi confirming he’s looking to add to the final third now.

Tottenham have long been linked with City winger Savinho, for whom personal terms will be no issue given he wants to join, and the club appear to be edging closer to landing the Brazilian.

That would be one forward down, but Spurs have been linked with far more.

football.london journalist Alasdair Gold has confirmed that De Zerbi ‘is a big admirer’ of Savinho’s City team-mate Omar Marmoush.

There have also been links with Cody Gakpo, Rafael Leao, Marcus Rashford and Bradley Barcola.

But reports elsewhere have suggested Tottenham don’t believe Leao is the right fit, while Barcola is well known to be the subject of a fierce pursuit by Liverpool.

Some feel Rashford could well become a Spurs player, though his wages of over £300,000 per week don’t help that, while Gakpo has been confirmed as a target by some insiders.

Marmoush future unclear

De Zerbi has made it clear that there are multiple new signings to come this summer, stating: “In the transfer market, when I want one player, I become like a shark, no chance to say no!

“The transfer market, it’s not finished for sure, but we completed 60 per cent of our project in the transfer market. Now we have another bomba!”

There’s a good chance that Savinho plus at least one other forward could join then, and it’s previously been revealed by our friends at TEAMtalk that Marmoush is on the radar.

READ: De Zerbi informs Spence of exit decision as Euro giants advance on fellow Tottenham left-back

Indeed, Tottenham were said to have made an enquiry to City in regards to the availability of Marmoush.

The forward was also believed to be set for key talks over his future with City, but there’s been no suggestion of late if there’s been any resolution on that.

Spurs are keen if they’re able to get Marmoush, but whether that is possible is currently unclear.

Tottenham insider John Wenham feels the club can “really push for top four” again, but believes four stars who saw little football last season need to get back to it.

Spurs have not finished in the top four of the Premier League since 2021/22, and have been way off the pace in the last couple of seasons. In both, they have finished 17th, and last season, that saw them fight until the final day for safety.

Roberto De Zerbi was at the helm for the final seven games of the campaign, winning three games. He’s made a great start to the summer transfer window, with six signings made.

The boss has also revealed he’s looking at the attack now, and has hinted at a big new signing coming.

But Tottenham insider Wenham feels players already at the club will be important pillars of the season, with top four possible.

He told Tottenham News: “Kudus was our best player last season until he was injured in January and was a massive loss for us when he had that setback in April.

“De Zerbi came in, said what a big player he was going to be for him and in our fight against relegation last season and then he was injured almost immediately after he took the job, which was a huge blow for us because he is one of our better players.

“Having him back would be like a new signing but I’m concerned that he’s not available to contribute on this pre-season tour and has been left behind to work on his rehabilitation.

“We will need him to play and we will need him to contribute this season because he’s our best right winger by a long, long way.

“Fingers crossed he can come back soon because that’s a massive asset for us, he will flourish under De Zerbi as we’ve seen how well he had Kaoru Mitoma playing for Brighton under his management style and I can see Kudus being the same, being a real danger for opposition and a massive asset for Tottenham.

“If we have James Maddison and some of these players that have been missing for so long, if we can get Xavi Simons back and Dejan Kulusevski, we really can push to be in the top four next season.”

With the squad they have, so long as Tottenham can land one or two new attackers, they should indeed be in the top four again next season.

De Zerbi discusses next signing

De Zerbi has suggested there’s a big new signing coming at Spurs, stating: “In the transfer market, when I want one player, I become like a shark, no chance to say no!

“The transfer market, it’s not finished for sure, but we completed 60 per cent of our project in the transfer market. Now we have another bomba!”

Roberto De Zerbi has made his feelings clear on Djed Spence exiting Tottenham this summer, as a pair of European giants are in the mix for a Spurs left-back.

Spence’s future has changed a few times this summer. Our friends at TEAMtalk revealed he was told he wasn’t going to be part of De Zerbi’s plans going forward.

Amid the pursuit of Inter Milan, sources stated Spence was open to that move.

But that was before the World Cup, where the English defender put together some fantastic displays, particularly in the knockouts against Norway and Argentina.

De Zerbi has since told the versatile full-back he doesn’t want him to leave.

The Tottenham boss told media: “I repeat what I said to Djed, and to Lucas [Bergvall]

“I would like you to stay if you want to stay. If you don’t want to stay, if you want to leave, then you have to leave.”

Whether that changes Spence’s view on his future remains to be seen, but a lot of fans would surely like him to stay at Tottenham following his World Cup performances.

But there are a few side on his tail, with Liverpool and Everton also known to be admirers.

Souza agrees to Porto move

Fellow Tottenham left-back Souza appears to be nearing an exit from north London this summer, having only joined the club from Santos in January.

Indeed, GE Globo reports he has agreed to personal terms with Porto, who have been tracking the 20-year-old since his youth days.

Porto are now said to be in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Tottenham over the Brazilian, who is seeking regular opportunities as he looks to solidify himself for a spot in Brazil’s World Cup squad in four years.

READ: Double Tottenham exit ramps up as superstar helps one raid amid talks over similar move

Fellow Portuguese side Benfica are reported to have lodged a €20million (£17.1m) bid for Souza, and though it’s not clear what the outcome of that has been, it seems the fact Porto are in advanced negotiations means they’re on top.

Indeed, the giants are said to have ‘acted quickly’ to outbid their rivals.

With Souza having only played four times since joining Tottenham in January, it’s unlikely they’re married to the idea of keeping him, but the left-back’s future could be tied to that of Spence, as losing both would leave them short in the position.

According to reports, Marcus Rashford could yet join Tottenham Hotspur from Manchester United this summer if they offer £30m to sign him.

Rashford‘s future remains uncertain heading into the 2026/27 campaign after Barcelona opted against signing him permanently from Man Utd.

The forward surpassed expectations during last season’s loan stint at the Nou Camp, having contributed 14 goals and 14 assists for the La Liga champions. Despite this, Barcelona have opted to buy Anthony Gordon instead this summer.

Therefore, it has been widely reported in recent months that Rashford is expected to return to Man Utd for pre-season after his post-World Cup break, and they could keep him instead of bringing in a new left winger.

READ: Every Premier League club’s transfer priority: Wingers for Arsenal, Liverpool as Chelsea fix problem position

It has also been reported that Man Utd boss Michael Carrick is happy to work with Rashford and vice-versa, but the club and player may still be leaning towards a transfer if the right opportunity arises.

Rashford’s huge wages are an issue for Man Utd, so they may prefer to get him off the books. While the player was intent on joining Barcelona permanently and could still prefer a move elsewhere.

Now, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook claims Man Utd are ‘still expected’ to try to offload Rashford this summer, while he is ‘keen to leave’.

But with a move to Barcelona seemingly off the table, Rashford may have to accept a move to a Premier League rival, though Crook cannot see him joining Arsenal.

“I’m just not sure Marcus Rashford is a Mikel Arteta-type player,” Crook said on talkSPORT.

“If you look at what he’s done, and why Arsenal have been so successful in his tenure, he weeded out the sort of problematic characters from the dressing room, so I’m not sure that he would necessarily welcome Marcus Rashford with open arms.”

Marcus Rashford to Tottenham Hotspur?

Instead, Crook thinks Rashford could secure a ‘shock move’ to Tottenham because he can “see that deal happening”.

“I think if he goes anywhere in London, I’m keeping an eye on Tottenham,” Crook added.

“I could see that deal happening. Roberto De Zerbi believing that he can get the best out of Marcus Rashford.”

Crook continued: “When you say a cheap deal, I think probably an offer of £30million will be accepted by Manchester United, but you have to factor in he’s on £325,000 a week at Old Trafford, and doesn’t seem too willing to take a pay cut.”

The top striker target at Tottenham, Eli Junior Kroupi, has undergone surgery, with Spurs now pivoting towards signing a Barcelona frontman instead, according to reports.

Tottenham opened the chequebook nice and early this summer, getting big-money moves for Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali over the line.

Roberto De Zerbi wants attacking reinforcements next, with both a winger and new striker on the agenda.

Manchester City’s Savinho is the No 1 prize for the wing positions. The latest on that developing story can be found here.

Up front, Tottenham’s top target had been Eli Junior Kroupi of Bournemouth, until now.

The wildly impressive Frenchman fractured his fifth metatarsal that has now required surgery to repair.

According to multiple respected sources including David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano, the striker is expected to miss between three-four months while recovering.

Obviously, that has torpedoed Spurs’ ambitions of bringing Kroupi to north London this summer.

But according to our colleagues over on TEAMtalk, Tottenham have wasted no time identifying worthy replacements, and one in particular was in the headlines for all the right reasons this summer.

Tottenham want to sign Ferran Torres

Their insider, Graeme Bailey, revealed Barcelona and Spain striker, Ferran Torres, is a wanted man at Spurs.

Torres scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2026 World Cup final after helping Barcelona win LaLiga last term, though the next competitive fixture he plays might be for a different club.

The 26-year-old former Manchester City man only has one year remaining on his contract in Catalonia. PSG have been attempting to bring the Spaniard on board, and per Bailey, so too are Tottenham.

He explained: ‘Torres is set to available this summer should he fail to agree a new contract at Camp Nou and is a player Tottenham would relish the opportunity to pursue.

‘Paris Saint-Germain are currently advancing towards an agreement for Torres, but sources indicate that Spurs have already held discussions with intermediaries regarding the attacker’s situation and are keeping a close eye on developments.’

READ NEXT: Double Tottenham exit ramps up as superstar helps one raid amid talks over similar move

Taking to YouTube on Wednesday evening, Fabrizio Romano provided an update of his own on the versatile forward.

He insisted there’s “still nothing done or agreed” between Torres and PSG, though did sound a word of warning to Spurs and PSG when revealing Barcelona’s intention is to retain the player despite his contract situation.

The trusted reporter went on to note there’s nothing close with regards to Torres penning fresh terms at Barcelona.

Nevertheless, a new deal isn’t out of the question, and with Barca wanting to retain the player and Spurs facing heavyweight competition from PSG anyway, they face an uphill struggle when attempting to pull this one off.

Two Tottenham stars look to be en route to similar locations, with Cristian Romero having spoken to an international team-mate about a move to Inter Milan.

When Romero planned to return to Argentina during Spurs’ relegation battle – and his own injury – last season, that seemed to confirm his plans for the next season. It has since been confirmed that he won’t be a Tottenham player for much longer.

Romero is nearing a move to Inter Milan, with only the conditions of the deal to go, with the clubs locked into talks, which are reportedly progressing well, and the defender already having agreed to personal terms.

Having discussed the potential move with Argentina team-mate Lautaro Martinez may have helped.

Indeed, Gazzetta dello Sport reveals the pair discussed the Inter deal during the post-World Cup break.

They state, as do other outlets, that all that we are waiting for is the terms of the move to be agreed.

Our friends at TEAMtalk have suggested while Tottenham wanted €50million (£42.8m), Inter have made a loan approach, with a deal nearer €40million (£34.3m) to follow, and the sides simply need to find a middle ground.

Vicario looks set to leave with Romero

Fellow senior Tottenham man Guglielmo Vicario also looks set to exit the north London club this summer.

Interest from both Juventus and Napoli in the £20million-rated goalkeeper has been evident for some time, and Football Insider now reports both are in club-to-club talks with Spurs over a move.

The Italian is said to be open to a return to Serie A, where he last played in 2022 with Empoli, while Tottenham are actively looking to sell him.

Both they and the two interested sides are keen on getting a deal over the line, so while it’s not clear yet which of the Italian clubs he’ll end up at, it seems that Vicario will indeed be leaving north London this summer.

Romero and Vicario have featured together in 90 matches, and have been two pillars of the club’s defence during their time there.

While losing both will mean losing two senior players, it must be said that the defence hasn’t been particularly solid of late and with the likes of Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Andy Robertson signed, and Antonin Kinsky having impressed in net at the back end of the season, Tottenham might be coming out better by getting rid.

Tottenham insider John Wenham has revealed “serious concern” over James Maddison, while a fellow insider has given an injury update on new midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

Spurs’ pre-season tour is taking place in New Zealand and Australia. They have so far won 1-0 and 2-0 against MK Dons and Auckland FC respectively, and will head to Australia to take on Sydney FC and then Chelsea.

In the first two games, there’s been no sign of Maddison, who returned from an ACL injury for the last three games of last season.

Tottenham Insider Wenham is concerned that he might not be fully right yet.

He told Tottenham News: “It is frustrating that James Maddison has gone on the tour, and not only in the first tour game against Auckland, but also the friendly against MK Dons, that he didn’t feature at all.

“Towards the back end of last season he was making a few appearances, I was hoping that this pre-season he’d be ready from the first game to be able to contribute, having had the whole summer off as well, building on his fitness, so I’m hopeful he will feature in these next few friendlies we’ve got out in Australia.

“If he doesn’t, then that is a serious concern.”

Fernandes injury update issued

Perhaps more concerning for Tottenham would be if £85million signing Fernandes was injured. Fans spotted him sitting out of a training session on tour and have made baseless claims that he’s done his own ACL.

However, football.london journalist Alasdair Gold has set the record straight on that.

He wrote: ‘The midfielder is not injured.

‘Instead, it is because head coach Roberto De Zerbi has been pushing the players hard in training, especially those who returned earlier to pre-season, and various players’ time in sessions and matches is being monitored and managed based on a variety of factors such as fatigue, little niggles, illness or even jet lag.

‘Various players have so far been rested from matches and training sessions with that in mind over the opening weeks of pre-season.

‘De Zerbi’s style of football is an all-action, draining one, and the players’ fitness is being pushed this summer to deal with that ahead of the season, with the arrival of the Italian’s long-time strength and conditioning coach Agostino Tibaudi to join another former colleague, first-team fitness coach Marcattilio Marcattilii, to ensure the team is ready for what is to come.’