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Tottenham are looking to strengthen their squad in 2026, and there could be 37 free agents available in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur need more quality in their squad, as the early stages of the 2025–26 season have shown that Spurs remain some distance away from competing consistently with the very best sides.

Defeats to Fulham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have underlined those issues, with several of those performances seeing Tottenham outplayed and outmuscled for long spells.

Reports have suggested that the Tottenham board are prepared to back Thomas Frank across the upcoming transfer windows, as they look to avoid another premature managerial change and instead focus on improving the playing group.

The free-agent market contains a wealth of quality players that Spurs could look to secure on pre-contract agreements in 2026.

There are strong options across every area of the pitch, from goalkeepers through to forwards, and it is a market that should naturally appeal to Tottenham given the potential value involved.

Transfermarkt have now compiled a list of 37 players whose contracts are due to expire next summer and who will be available on a free transfer, offering Tottenham plenty to consider.

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Five free agents Spurs could target in 2026

A number of names stand out immediately as players who could raise the level at Tottenham if the opportunity presents itself.

Mike Maignan brings elite-level experience from his time at AC Milan and would represent a serious option in goal, particularly with Guglielmo Vicario having endured an error-prone spell.

In defence, Marc Guehi remains a familiar target after Spurs explored a move earlier this year, while Antonio Rudiger offers pedigree at the highest level with both Real Madrid and Chelsea and would strengthen any back line.

Micky van de Ven has revealed the instructions he and Cristian Romero gave to Ange Postecoglou, which may have helped Tottenham Hotspur win the Europa League.

There is no manager in football quite like Ange Postecoglou, as he showed when he was in charge of Tottenham Hotspur.

The Australian’s attacking style of play can be entertaining to watch, but it also leaves his teams vulnerable in defence.

However, Spurs were noticeably more cautious in the latter stages of the Europa League last season. This was especially true in the final, as the team did a lot of defending in their own half to seal a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.

Micky van de Ven reveals what he and Cristian Romero told Ange Postecoglou

Micky van de Ven captained Tottenham for the first time this season and it seems he was already displaying his leadership qualities when Postecoglou was in charge.

According to the defender, he and Romero had to convince their former manager to play more defensive when they had the lead against Frankfurt in the Europa League quarter-final.

Van de Ven told The Overlap: “Me and Cuti Romero were only playing the Europa League games last season because in the Premier League games he [Postecoglou] kept us out and rested us because he wanted to win the Europa League.

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“At one point, we just walked up to the gaffer and said that we need to change some things and play more defensive sometimes. We played away at Frankfurt and were 1-0 up, and we can’t keep attacking, we just need to come back and have a low block and make sure we get the three points.”

Postecoglou could have shut down the comments of his defensive duo. However, he listened to their request and even put them in charge of making sure the whole team adapted accordingly.

“We sat with him and he agreed with us on some things and he told us that he expected us two guys to sort this on the pitch – to make sure that this is something everybody knows and to speak to everybody on the pitch,” van de Ven continued.

“He said to me and Cuti personally that we need to make sure the other guys listen to us, that we have a reputation in the team and everyone respects us, so make sure the guys follow what we say on the pitch. So, Cuti and I were just screaming at everyone.”

He added: “We had to speak to Ange because we had no plan B in game.”

“When we were getting further in the Europa League, sometimes we would sit down with him and say, ‘We need to adapt sometimes’.

“That wasn’t only with him – that was also with his assistant and other coaches.”

Van de Ven and Romero’s advice paid off for Tottenham

Spurs looked a more balanced side in Europe compared with domestic matches and it seems their centre-back pairing are the reason why this was the case.

It goes to show that van de Ven and Cristian Romero are not only useful as players, but as leaders who can be influential in the dressing room.

Thomas Frank named both defenders in his leadership team and while not all his decisions have been correct, nobody can argue with that one.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to make some new signings in January, and there could be some departures on the cards too.

Tottenham Hotspur are having another disappointing Premier League campaign, and last Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest was about as bad as it gets.

Thomas Frank will be looking to make some upgrades to his squad in January as he looks to gather enough victories to keep his job secure.

However, Spurs already have a full squad and moving players on could be just as great a priority as welcoming new arrivals.

Tottenham could sell some of their squad players in January

Daniel Levy was renowned for holding onto players for too long, and according to The Times, Spurs are looking to avoid making this mistake in the future.

As a result, Tottenham are looking to offload Yves Bissouma, a midfielder who is yet to make an appearance under Frank.

The Malian might not be the only player to be moved on, with Spurs said to be looking to sell other fringe players who do not make regular starts.

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Spurs must ensure Yves Bissouma is gone before February

There is talk that Tottenham could extend Bissouma’s contract in order to secure a transfer fee, but this is a risky strategy, as there is always the possibility that no club will place a bid.

Spurs are right to be looking at selling fringe players in the squad, but their actions must match their ambitions. Bissouma is not in Frank’s plans, and he cannot behave himself off the pitch.

Therefore, getting him off the payroll has to be made a priority in January, as well as any other players who clearly have no future at the club.

Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has now offered a small glimpse into the work going on away from the spotlight as he pushes towards a return.

Tottenham Hotspur still have a handful of players sidelined with long-term injuries, all working their way back to full fitness as the season grinds on.

James Maddison is one of those currently absent, with the midfielder nursing an anterior cruciate ligament injury that is expected to rule him out until at least next season.

Despite that setback, the midfielder has remained relentless in his determination to return fit and strong, having already missed a significant chunk of action during this campaign.

Maddison has now provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what rehabilitation looks like for footballers recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.

On his Instagram account, the Tottenham midfielder shared footage of his Monday morning graft, which featured a series of intense leg-based workout sessions as part of his ongoing recovery.

He captioned his post: “Monday morning graft. Every day is a day closer”

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That update follows Maddison being spotted back on the grass outdoors a week earlier, another small but encouraging step as he continues to build towards full fitness.

Spurs creativity concerns highlight importance of Maddison’s return

Tottenham will be desperate to have Maddison back on the pitch, with the side struggling for creativity at key moments this season.

The midfielder was one of the few players to reach double figures for both goals and assists last term, playing a central role as Tottenham went on to win the Europa League.

Underlying statistics make for a grim reading as Thomas Frank’s first 16 Premier League games are compared to Ange Postecoglou’s first 16 from last season at Tottenham.

Thomas Frank has his work cut out in the Tottenham Hotspur dugout this season, with performances and results proving wildly inconsistent.

Tottenham have already suffered six defeats from their opening 16 league matches, and since a strong start in August, when they lost just once in their first five outings, Spurs have yet to piece together a sustained winning run.

That lack of rhythm has inevitably led to pressure from sections of the Tottenham fanbase, with many supporters unconvinced that Frank is the right fit to lead the club through its latest rebuild.

Tottenham stats highlight Thomas Frank struggles compared to Ange Postecoglou

The manager has faced criticism for a pragmatic approach that feels at odds with the front-foot football many Tottenham supporters have grown accustomed to, particularly over the past couple of seasons.

WhoScore have now compared Postecoglou’s first 16 matches from last season with Thomas Frank’s opening 16 games in charge, and the figures make for uncomfortable reading from a Spurs perspective.

Ange Postecoglou, Frank’s predecessor, delivered on that attacking promise despite ultimately being dismissed after finishing 17th in the league last season, a campaign that was chaotic yet still defined by a clear identity.

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According to the data, Postecoglou’s side from the previous campaign outperforms Frank’s current team across every measured metric.

The Australian posted a better win rate and points per game, scored more goals per match, conceded fewer, created more big chances, recorded more touches in the opposition box and also registered a superior pass success rate.

Tottenham currently find themselves in 11th place in the Premier League table, with 22 points from their opening 16 games, their worst point return at this stage of a season since 08/09.

Meanwhile Postecoglou had Spurs in 10th place at this stage last season, with 23 points.

Spurs numbers raise questions over Thomas Frank direction

The statistics are difficult to ignore, particularly given that Postecoglou’s side also performed better defensively, despite Frank being viewed as a coach who prioritises structure and control without the ball.

It inevitably raises questions about what the Dane’s identity actually is, because 16 games into the season, there has been little evidence of a clear evolution in Tottenham’s overall play, with last season’s output still setting the benchmark.

Frank has already acknowledged that building a squad takes time, and the Tottenham board has chosen to show patience by not making knee-jerk decisions.

However, if the numbers continue on this trajectory, Spurs risk finishing in a worse position than they managed last term.

Micky van de Ven has revealed Tottenham Hotspur’s main target for the campaign, but achieving it will require a lot of improvement.

Tottenham Hotspur looked to have recovered from a 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season, registering some good results early in the current campaign.

However, Spurs have struggled to remain consistent and have slipped to 11th in the Premier League table, closer to the relegation zone than the top three teams in the division.

The North London Club’s form has been particularly poor since the most recent international break, with heavy defeats suffered against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

Some of Tottenham’s best results have come at home in the Champions League this season and Micky van de Ven is keen to ensure his team qualify for the competition again next year.

The central defender believes it is at this point in the season where distances between clubs begin to build, so it is essential for Spurs find some form.

Speaking on The Overlap, van de Ven told Gary Neville: “Our aim for this season is to make sure that we’re playing Champions League football again.

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“Top four or five is what we want. Every team in the Premier League is good. Every away game is tough, and even at home. If you’re feeling 90 per cent before a game, you’re likely to lose or drop points.

“Everyone can beat everyone, and the league is crazy. Look at a team like Aston Villa, at the start of the season, they were struggling, but now, they’re just behind Arsenal. This time of the season, around December and January, I think this is when we’re going to start seeing the gaps forming in the Premier League table.”

Spurs need to start securing victories immediately

Despite Tottenham’s poor displays in recent weeks, they are only four points off the top five, with many teams in the league struggling to build winning runs.

Spurs will be taking on Liverpool and Crystal Palace later this month, both of whom are above them in the league table. Victories in both these fixtures would likely put Thomas Frank’s team close to where they wish to be, but two defeats would put the side in jeopardy.

Tottenham simply have to start winning matches now, or else they will be on the wrong side of the forming gaps which van de Ven has spoken about.

A move from Man City to Tottenham Hotspur may be on the cards for a 23-year-old during the January transfer window.

While a lot of the blame for Tottenham’s struggles this season has been laid at the feet of Thomas Frank, the Dane has been let down by some of his senior players on a few occasions.

One of them is Guglielmo Vicario, who continues to come under intense scrutiny in light of his errors in goal this season.

Some sources have even claimed that Tottenham have begun looking for Vicario’s replacement, and it appears that they may turn to the Etihad Stadium.

Move to Tottenham on the cards for Man City star in January

Man City number two James Trafford has been mooted as a target for Spurs in the past, and journalist Pete O’Rourke has now confirmed that a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is an option for the 23-year-old.

He suggested that a January move may be on the cards for the English shot-stopper, naming Aston Villa and Newcastle as the other two clubs who could be in for him.

When asked where Trafford could end up, O’Rourke told Football Insider: “I’m thinking more Villa, if [Emiliano] Martinez goes, and possibly Spurs. I think there’s going to be a demand for [Trafford].

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“He’s a quality keeper, and I think there are a few clubs that are still unhappy in that position. But certainly those are the sort of three clubs I think, yeah, Newcastle, Villa, Spurs are where I think Trafford may end up.

“Obviously, it’s very hard to think you’re number two to Donnarumma because you’re not going to get many chances unless he gets injured. So I think he will make a move.

“I think that’s fair to him because he’s a quality young keeper. But I think those are the sort of target clubs I’d be thinking about, not just Newcastle. And we’ll see how that develops. But that could be something that could happen very quickly in January as well.”

Spurs seen as the perfect fit for James Trafford

TEAMtalk have relayed these quotes from O’Rourke and added their own information on Trafford’s future.

The outlet says that Tottenham have already held exploratory talks with the Man City man regarding a January move to N17.

Additionally, the publication claims to have spoken to an industry source who named Spurs as the ideal destination for Trafford.

The source is quoted as saying: “James is a top talent ready to step up. He’s itching for minutes, and Spurs’ project aligns perfectly with his ambitions.”

One underfire Tottenham star has shot to the top of the wishlist of three-time Champions League-winners, Inter Milan.

One senior Tottenham player continues to be heavily criticised, with the scanner once again on him following the Lilywhites’ 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Many Spurs fans would have already guessed that we are referring to Guglielmo Vicario, who has been quick to play down the criticism and booing levelled at him.

However, the Italian’s long-term future at the North London club does not appear to be assured, particularly with reports over recent weeks suggesting that Inter Milan could poach the Tottenham number one.

Guglielmo Vicario is now Inter Milan’s top target

Some Italian outlets have even reported recently that Vicario’s representatives have already spoken to Inter regarding a transfer.

Now, a new report in Gazzetta dello Sport has claimed that the 29-year-old has shot to the top of the Nerazzurri’s wishlist.

It is revealed that Inter CEO Beppe Marotta and the club’s sporting director Piero Ausilio are both huge fans of Vicario and are extremely keen to take him to the San Siro.

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As a result, the Tottenham Hotspur man has now become the Serie A giant’s top target, but they are only plotting a move for him next summer, not during the January window.

What does Vicario think of leaving Spurs for Inter?

Gazzetta state that the former Empoli man is enthusiastic about the idea of moving to Inter at the end of the season.

This is because Vicario was ‘inspired’ by Inter legend Samir Handanovic during his formative years, and following in the Slovenian’s footsteps would ‘fulfil a long-standing professional dream’ for the Spurs shot-stopper.

The outlet says that Tottenham would not part ways with Vicario without first bringing in a replacement, but it is claimed that Inter remain hopeful that they can land the goalkeeper for around €20m (£17.5m).

Pressure is beginning to mount on Thomas Frank at Tottenham, but the club have just made him a transfer promise behind the scenes.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground has intensified the scrutiny on Thomas Frank.

Tottenham have managed just one win in their last seven Premier League matches and, after 16 league outings, have already suffered six defeats, a return that leaves them drifting and vulnerable in a congested table.

Many Spurs fans have begun calling for change at the helm, frustrated by Frank’s struggles to get his side playing fluent attacking football, particularly against teams who themselves have been fighting at the lower end of the division.

Tottenham board set to back Thomas Frank in the transfer window

The Tottenham board, however, remain adamant that the Dane is the right man for the job and has chosen to stand by him, allowing time for results and performances to stabilise.

talkSPORT has now added that the hierarchy at Spurs is instead looking towards backing Thomas Frank in the transfer market, rather than pulling the trigger on another managerial change.

With the winter window now just over two weeks away, Tottenham will be acutely aware that a failure to arrest their form before then could see them slide further down the table, especially with a demanding run of fixtures still to come.

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Spurs fixtures and transfer backing could define Frank spell

Liverpool and Crystal Palace are the next two opponents awaiting Spurs in the Premier League, and defeats in those matches will only serve to increase the pressure on Thomas Frank.

The winter window is rarely straightforward, with clubs reluctant to part with key players mid-season due to the difficulty of sourcing suitable replacements at short notice.

The free agent market remains an avenue for Tottenham to explore in the summer, with several top players set to be avaliable on a free in 2026.

Frank has already hinted that Spurs will be active once the window opens, while the Tottenham board have also injected £100 million earlier this season, a clear signal of ambition off the pitch as they look to support the manager.

Tottenham Hotspur may consider a huge offer that comes their way for Cristian Romero despite the centre-back’s recent new contract, according to a former official from the North London club.

Atletico Madrid showed a keen interest in taking Romero to the Spanish capital in the summer window.

The La Liga club were reportedly ready to spend big on the Tottenham star, but the Lilywhites held firm and resisted the interest from Diego Simeone’s side.

Eventually, Romero signed a new long-term contract with Spurs, and he is now an indispensable part of the club’s current project, being named captain by Thomas Frank.

Tottenham set asking price for Cristian Romero

Former Spurs scout Bryan King has now suggested that Atletico’s interest in the World Cup winner may not have completely gone away.

However, he claimed that the 27-year-old will not come cheap and that the Colchoneros would have to pay around £70m for the centre-back.

When asked about the chances of Atletico coming back for Romero in January, King told Tottenham News: “He’s only just signed a new contract, Romero. He signed an improved deal in the summer, and it’s made a big difference to his wage packet. He’s one of the highest-paid players at Tottenham, so it won’t be cheap to get him out. If Atletico think he’s going to walk out, they’ll have to think again.

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“He’d cost £60-£70m. The fact that he’s Argentinian and Diego Simeone’s Argentinian will have nothing to do with it. If Spurs don’t want to sell, then he won’t go unless a crazy offer comes in, that is what it will take.”

Romero will cost much more than £70m

The worry for Spurs would be if Romero himself asks to leave in a bid to compete for major honours, seeing as the Lilywhites are far away from doing so at the moment.

However, it was reported that Tottenham wanted £70m for Romero during last summer’s transfer window.