Goal.com

Reinforcements were clearly required at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following back-to-back 17th-place finishes. The 2024-25 campaign did deliver long-awaited silverware, in the form of Europa League success, but nerves were shredded last season as relegation fears were dramatically fended off.

That basement battle went down to the final day, with Roberto De Zerbi eventually steering a course to safety. He had picked up a managerial baton that slipped through the grasp of Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor.

The Italian is being backed by his board to deliver a reversal in fortune. Departures are expected over the coming weeks, as underperforming players are moved on, but the arrivals lounge has already seen plenty of footfall.

Huge sums of cash have been invested in Italy international Tonali, ex-West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes and former Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Rival interest has been fended off when completing those deals, with Spurs proving that they remain a big draw.

Is Tonali, however, in north London due to geographical and financial factors - rather than sporting ones? When that question was put to Murphy, the ex-Tottenham midfielder - speaking in association with BetWright football betting - told GOAL: “I think it would be naive to think that London isn't a pull for a lot of the foreign boys. I say that through experience and speaking to them.

“My gut feeling is that if one of the really big boys, i.e. Man U, Man City, Liverpool, came in for him as strongly as Tottenham in terms of finances as well, then he might have gone there. Because to pick a location over winning trophies isn't something many players would do. But London is a pull. I don't know who was in for him for sure.

“The one advantage you have going to Tottenham, other than London, is the financial side. They've really pushed the boat out to get him. Maybe some of the other clubs who were in for him didn't push the boat out to that level.

“The other factor, to give him credit and other footballers, because not every footballer is just greed-obsessed and location-obsessed, is that you have a conversation with the coach when you're talking about which club you're going to go to. Maybe if there was interest from elsewhere, there wasn't a guarantee you're always going to play. I don't know that, but I know of situations in the past where a player would choose a club where he's been reassured that he's going to be the main man, he's going to play every week.

“I would imagine the mix of being the main man in the middle of the park, phenomenal wages, and London probably was a mixture of all three. I'd like to think it was a mixture of that as well.

“I don't like to think of players purely moving based on money or location, but it does happen. I think that he's a terrific signing and they've done really well to get him irrelevant of the cost and the amount of wages. I think he'll really improve them.”

Murphy added on Spurs’ early business, with Premier League experience a box that they clearly want to tick: “It's a statement of intent, much needed. I think the only difficulty around what I'm seeing there is at the moment, until the dealings are all done, they've got a heavy squad anyway.

“When you're not in Europe, you've got to be very good at your job as a manager to be able to keep that many players happy when you've only got Premier League football. That could become a little problematic unless we start seeing a bit of an exodus of players from Tottenham.

“The problem with that, of course, is a lot of them who were poor last season, who were on good wages, how many takers have they got? So, there's still some work to do at Tottenham, but I do like what they've done.

“I like Van Hecke, I like Fernandes. I think [James] Maddison coming back is going to be a big plus for them as well because we know what he brings. I think realistically for them, top six has got to be a realistic ambition. Top four might be a push to jump that high so quickly, but top six is realistic for them with the players they're bringing in.”

Reinforcements were clearly required at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following back-to-back 17th-place finishes. The 2024-25 campaign did deliver long-awaited silverware, in the form of Europa League success, but nerves were shredded last season as relegation fears were dramatically fended off.

That basement battle went down to the final day, with Roberto De Zerbi eventually steering a course to safety. He had picked up a managerial baton that slipped through the grasp of Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor.

The Italian is being backed by his board to deliver a reversal in fortune. Departures are expected over the coming weeks, as underperforming players are moved on, but the arrivals lounge has already seen plenty of footfall.

Huge sums of cash have been invested in Italy international Tonali, ex-West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes and former Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Rival interest has been fended off when completing those deals, with Spurs proving that they remain a big draw.

Is Tonali, however, in north London due to geographical and financial factors - rather than sporting ones? When that question was put to Murphy, the ex-Tottenham midfielder - speaking in association with BetWright football betting - told GOAL: “I think it would be naive to think that London isn't a pull for a lot of the foreign boys. I say that through experience and speaking to them.

“My gut feeling is that if one of the really big boys, i.e. Man U, Man City, Liverpool, came in for him as strongly as Tottenham in terms of finances as well, then he might have gone there. Because to pick a location over winning trophies isn't something many players would do. But London is a pull. I don't know who was in for him for sure.

“The one advantage you have going to Tottenham, other than London, is the financial side. They've really pushed the boat out to get him. Maybe some of the other clubs who were in for him didn't push the boat out to that level.

“The other factor, to give him credit and other footballers, because not every footballer is just greed-obsessed and location-obsessed, is that you have a conversation with the coach when you're talking about which club you're going to go to. Maybe if there was interest from elsewhere, there wasn't a guarantee you're always going to play. I don't know that, but I know of situations in the past where a player would choose a club where he's been reassured that he's going to be the main man, he's going to play every week.

“I would imagine the mix of being the main man in the middle of the park, phenomenal wages, and London probably was a mixture of all three. I'd like to think it was a mixture of that as well.

“I don't like to think of players purely moving based on money or location, but it does happen. I think that he's a terrific signing and they've done really well to get him irrelevant of the cost and the amount of wages. I think he'll really improve them.”

Murphy added on Spurs’ early business, with Premier League experience a box that they clearly want to tick: “It's a statement of intent, much needed. I think the only difficulty around what I'm seeing there is at the moment, until the dealings are all done, they've got a heavy squad anyway.

“When you're not in Europe, you've got to be very good at your job as a manager to be able to keep that many players happy when you've only got Premier League football. That could become a little problematic unless we start seeing a bit of an exodus of players from Tottenham.

“The problem with that, of course, is a lot of them who were poor last season, who were on good wages, how many takers have they got? So, there's still some work to do at Tottenham, but I do like what they've done.

“I like Van Hecke, I like Fernandes. I think [James] Maddison coming back is going to be a big plus for them as well because we know what he brings. I think realistically for them, top six has got to be a realistic ambition. Top four might be a push to jump that high so quickly, but top six is realistic for them with the players they're bringing in.”

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Everton are considering a move to sign Spence from Tottenham to strengthen their right-back options, reports The Athletic. The 25-year-old England international is understood to be weighing up his options as he looks for regular first-team football, something that looks hard to come by at Spurs. Spence's exceptional pace and tactical flexibility are viewed as the ideal attributes that Moyes urgently needs on Merseyside.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is currently overseeing a major squad rebuild, having signed Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke, which directly impacts the fierce competition across the backline. This uncertain situation regarding guaranteed regular minutes is being monitored intensively by Everton. The Toffees remain confident that the uncertainty surrounding the player's future in north London will create a significant opportunity to bring him to Merseyside this summer.

Spence was actually a pivotal figure last season, registering 30 Premier League appearances during the 2025-26 campaign, with 23 of those coming as starts. Despite being tied to a long-term contract until June 2029, the intense competition under De Zerbi has left the defender questioning his position. This factor makes a potential switch to Goodison Park highly logical for his career progression to secure a regular starting role in the top flight.

The Everton hierarchy must now quickly establish a formal offer structure and gauge the valuation set by Tottenham before the transfer window closes. Both teams are scheduled to kick off their opening matchday of the 2026-27 Premier League season on Saturday, August 22. Moyes' main priority is convincing Spence to make the switch before they contest their opening home fixture against Crystal Palace.

Everton are considering a move to sign Spence from Tottenham to strengthen their right-back options, reports The Athletic. The 25-year-old England international is understood to be weighing up his options as he looks for regular first-team football, something that looks hard to come by at Spurs. Spence's exceptional pace and tactical flexibility are viewed as the ideal attributes that Moyes urgently needs on Merseyside.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is currently overseeing a major squad rebuild, having signed Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke, which directly impacts the fierce competition across the backline. This uncertain situation regarding guaranteed regular minutes is being monitored intensively by Everton. The Toffees remain confident that the uncertainty surrounding the player's future in north London will create a significant opportunity to bring him to Merseyside this summer.

Spence was actually a pivotal figure last season, registering 30 Premier League appearances during the 2025-26 campaign, with 23 of those coming as starts. Despite being tied to a long-term contract until June 2029, the intense competition under De Zerbi has left the defender questioning his position. This factor makes a potential switch to Goodison Park highly logical for his career progression to secure a regular starting role in the top flight.

The Everton hierarchy must now quickly establish a formal offer structure and gauge the valuation set by Tottenham before the transfer window closes. Both teams are scheduled to kick off their opening matchday of the 2026-27 Premier League season on Saturday, August 22. Moyes' main priority is convincing Spence to make the switch before they contest their opening home fixture against Crystal Palace.

Everton are considering a move to sign Spence from Tottenham to strengthen their right-back options, reports The Athletic. The 25-year-old England international is understood to be weighing up his options as he looks for regular first-team football, something that looks hard to come by at Spurs. Spence's exceptional pace and tactical flexibility are viewed as the ideal attributes that Moyes urgently needs on Merseyside.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is currently overseeing a major squad rebuild, having signed Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke, which directly impacts the fierce competition across the backline. This uncertain situation regarding guaranteed regular minutes is being monitored intensively by Everton. The Toffees remain confident that the uncertainty surrounding the player's future in north London will create a significant opportunity to bring him to Merseyside this summer.

Spence was actually a pivotal figure last season, registering 30 Premier League appearances during the 2025-26 campaign, with 23 of those coming as starts. Despite being tied to a long-term contract until June 2029, the intense competition under De Zerbi has left the defender questioning his position. This factor makes a potential switch to Goodison Park highly logical for his career progression to secure a regular starting role in the top flight.

The Everton hierarchy must now quickly establish a formal offer structure and gauge the valuation set by Tottenham before the transfer window closes. Both teams are scheduled to kick off their opening matchday of the 2026-27 Premier League season on Saturday, August 22. Moyes' main priority is convincing Spence to make the switch before they contest their opening home fixture against Crystal Palace.

The young winger made an immediate impact at the World Cup for Senegal, coming off the bench in the opening fixture against France to score a stunning goal after beating Theo Hernandez, etching his name into the history books in the process.

At just 18 years and 143 days old, Mbaye became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Senegalese national team. More significantly, he now holds the record as the youngest African player ever to score in a World Cup tournament.

This development has effectively sounded the starting pistol for several English clubs, Foot Mercato reports. Tottenham are known to be long-term admirers of the winger’s explosive pace and direct style of play, viewing him as a perfect fit for the physical demands of the Premier League. However, it is Aston Villa who are currently showing the most concrete interest in securing his signature.

Unai Emery’s side is keen to bolster their attacking options with young, high-ceiling talents, and Mbaye fits that profile perfectly. As the summer transfer window progresses, PSG may find themselves in a difficult position as they try to convince one of their brightest prospects that his future remains in Paris amidst mounting pressure from the English top flight.

The situation at PSG remains complicated for the academy graduate, better known as a 'Titi' within the club's ranks. While he is currently tied to a contract that runs until June 2028, Mbaye is wary of the fierce competition for places in Luis Enrique's squad. With the Ligue 1 champions consistently recruiting high-profile offensive talents, the path to the first team appears increasingly blocked.

Reports from footmercato suggest that while his inner circle would prefer him to remain in Paris to continue his development, the player himself is leaning towards an exit. He is no longer willing to wait for opportunities that may never come, especially after proving his pedigree against elite opposition during the summer's festivities in North America.

Despite his record-breaking exploits, Mbaye’s path to the starting XI was not straightforward. He was surprisingly left on the bench for the second group game against Norway, a 3-2 defeat that sparked outrage among Senegalese supporters. When he eventually entered the fray in the 54th minute, his impact was undeniable, recording a 100% successful dribble rate and winning all five of his duels.

The public outcry for his inclusion eventually led to his first start in the final group match against Iraq, where he played 57 minutes. This experience on the global stage has transformed the teenager's outlook, as he now feels ready to compete at the highest level weekly rather than settling for a bit-part role in the French capital.

The young winger made an immediate impact at the World Cup for Senegal, coming off the bench in the opening fixture against France to score a stunning goal after beating Theo Hernandez, etching his name into the history books in the process.

At just 18 years and 143 days old, Mbaye became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Senegalese national team. More significantly, he now holds the record as the youngest African player ever to score in a World Cup tournament.

This development has effectively sounded the starting pistol for several English clubs, Foot Mercato reports. Tottenham are known to be long-term admirers of the winger’s explosive pace and direct style of play, viewing him as a perfect fit for the physical demands of the Premier League. However, it is Aston Villa who are currently showing the most concrete interest in securing his signature.

Unai Emery’s side is keen to bolster their attacking options with young, high-ceiling talents, and Mbaye fits that profile perfectly. As the summer transfer window progresses, PSG may find themselves in a difficult position as they try to convince one of their brightest prospects that his future remains in Paris amidst mounting pressure from the English top flight.

The situation at PSG remains complicated for the academy graduate, better known as a 'Titi' within the club's ranks. While he is currently tied to a contract that runs until June 2028, Mbaye is wary of the fierce competition for places in Luis Enrique's squad. With the Ligue 1 champions consistently recruiting high-profile offensive talents, the path to the first team appears increasingly blocked.

Reports from footmercato suggest that while his inner circle would prefer him to remain in Paris to continue his development, the player himself is leaning towards an exit. He is no longer willing to wait for opportunities that may never come, especially after proving his pedigree against elite opposition during the summer's festivities in North America.

Despite his record-breaking exploits, Mbaye’s path to the starting XI was not straightforward. He was surprisingly left on the bench for the second group game against Norway, a 3-2 defeat that sparked outrage among Senegalese supporters. When he eventually entered the fray in the 54th minute, his impact was undeniable, recording a 100% successful dribble rate and winning all five of his duels.

The public outcry for his inclusion eventually led to his first start in the final group match against Iraq, where he played 57 minutes. This experience on the global stage has transformed the teenager's outlook, as he now feels ready to compete at the highest level weekly rather than settling for a bit-part role in the French capital.

The young winger made an immediate impact at the World Cup for Senegal, coming off the bench in the opening fixture against France to score a stunning goal after beating Theo Hernandez, etching his name into the history books in the process.

At just 18 years and 143 days old, Mbaye became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Senegalese national team. More significantly, he now holds the record as the youngest African player ever to score in a World Cup tournament.

This development has effectively sounded the starting pistol for several English clubs, Foot Mercato reports. Tottenham are known to be long-term admirers of the winger’s explosive pace and direct style of play, viewing him as a perfect fit for the physical demands of the Premier League. However, it is Aston Villa who are currently showing the most concrete interest in securing his signature.

Unai Emery’s side is keen to bolster their attacking options with young, high-ceiling talents, and Mbaye fits that profile perfectly. As the summer transfer window progresses, PSG may find themselves in a difficult position as they try to convince one of their brightest prospects that his future remains in Paris amidst mounting pressure from the English top flight.

The situation at PSG remains complicated for the academy graduate, better known as a 'Titi' within the club's ranks. While he is currently tied to a contract that runs until June 2028, Mbaye is wary of the fierce competition for places in Luis Enrique's squad. With the Ligue 1 champions consistently recruiting high-profile offensive talents, the path to the first team appears increasingly blocked.

Reports from footmercato suggest that while his inner circle would prefer him to remain in Paris to continue his development, the player himself is leaning towards an exit. He is no longer willing to wait for opportunities that may never come, especially after proving his pedigree against elite opposition during the summer's festivities in North America.

Despite his record-breaking exploits, Mbaye’s path to the starting XI was not straightforward. He was surprisingly left on the bench for the second group game against Norway, a 3-2 defeat that sparked outrage among Senegalese supporters. When he eventually entered the fray in the 54th minute, his impact was undeniable, recording a 100% successful dribble rate and winning all five of his duels.

The public outcry for his inclusion eventually led to his first start in the final group match against Iraq, where he played 57 minutes. This experience on the global stage has transformed the teenager's outlook, as he now feels ready to compete at the highest level weekly rather than settling for a bit-part role in the French capital.

The north London side reportedly had an initial bid of £80m ($107m) knocked back by the Magpies, but finally reached a breakthrough with a structured deal worth £92.5m upfront plus a further £7.5m in performance-related add-ons. Despite interest from several elite clubs across the continent, Tonali revealed that a lengthy conversation with his new head coach made his decision an easy one.

The two Italians share a connection through Brescia, the club where Tonali rose to prominence and the hometown of De Zerbi. Speaking on his decision to join the club, Tonali said: "I'm very happy to be here. People said about there being four or five clubs - there was only one. I spoke to the head coach for close to two hours about the club, the fans, the stadium and our football. It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham. I've played against Tottenham a few times and always found a great atmosphere made by great fans. I can't wait to start the season."

For De Zerbi, the acquisition of Tonali represents more than just a tactical upgrade; it is a reunion with a player he has watched closely since his early days in Italy. The Spurs head coach believes his arrival will transform the engine room of the north London side.

De Zerbi expressed his delight at the signing, stating: "Sandro is a special player and a great signing for our Club. I have followed him for a long time, as he came through the youth system at my hometown club, Brescia, and I'm so happy to be working with him now. Given his qualities, there was a lot of interest in Sandro this summer. However, he was very clear in his desire to join Tottenham, and I know our fans will love what he brings to the team."

Tonali leaves St James' Park as a cult hero, having helped Newcastle end their 70-year wait for a major trophy by lifting the Carabao Cup in 2025. His journey in the North East was not without its challenges, including a high-profile 10-month ban for betting violations early in his tenure, but the midfielder developed a deep bond with the club's supporters and manager Eddie Howe. In an emotional farewell message, the Italy international expressed his gratitude to those who supported him through his ups and downs.

"Three years ago I came to Newcastle not really knowing what to expect. Today it’s time to say goodbye and it’s hard to find the right words," Tonali wrote.

"I want to start by thanking the club. To the people who work every day and nobody sees at the training ground, everyone who welcomed me and made me feel at home from the very first day. Thank you to the staff and my teammates for believing in me and helping me grow. A special mention to the gaffer, Eddie, who’s been a real guiding figure and who always had my back throughout this journey."

"But above all, I want to speak directly to the fans. When things were hard for me, you were there. Not for one day did I feel alone. I felt it every time I was at St James’ Park. That’s something I will carry with me for the rest of my life."

"Together, we achieved something this city had been waiting decades for. At Wembley that day, it was special, a historic moment we got to share together. To the fans who never stopped believing, who never stopped cheering for this club, who were there in the hardest times, that trophy was for you."

"The game brought me to Newcastle. Today I leave with my wife and our son, born during my time here. This city gave me more than football. It gave me a home, moments I’ll hold onto forever, and people I will always be grateful for. Thank you for everything."

The Spurs hierarchy, led by sporting director Johan Lange, view the £100m investment as a necessary step to compete at the very top of the Premier League. Tonali's pedigree, which includes a Serie A title with AC Milan and a deep run in the Champions League, provides the squad with much-needed elite-level experience.

Lange highlighted the attributes that made the 26-year-old a priority target, saying: "Sandro is one of the best midfielders in Europe and we are delighted to welcome him to the Club. He has outstanding technical quality to go with real football intelligence, and has the character to thrive in a demanding, high-pressure environment. Sandro brings valuable experience at the highest level, both domestically and in European competition and I know our supporters will love his energy and commitment on the pitch. We are all excited to see him pull on our famous Lilywhite shirt for the first time."