Cristian Romero to lead Tottenham exodus as five transfers can happen today
Tottenham Hotspur are expected to be active as the summer transfer window officially opens on Monday, and with good reason. Manager Roberto De Zerbi will be keen to avoid a repeat of last season's battle against the drop after waiting until the final day to clinch survival with a 17th-place finish. Agreements have already been finalised with Liverpool legend Andy Robertson and Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi after both became free agents. However, the Spurs manager made it abundantly clear that not every member of his squad would be staying at the club beyond the conclusion of the campaign.
"We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay," De Zerbi said after the final match of the season. "Good enough. Like players. Especially like people. And then we have to complete the squad with the first level of players." While focus will naturally fall on potential incoming signings to strengthen the team, a number of players are set to depart. We have examined the potential business Spurs could conduct at the beginning of the transfer window.
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Jan Paul van Hecke - In
Spurs have already had two offers turned down for Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke. The defender previously worked under De Zerbi during his spell with the Seagulls and the Italian manager has earmarked him as a vital component of his rebuilt defence.
Significantly, Van Hecke has been selected ahead of Tottenham's Micky van de Ven in the Netherlands hierarchy, with the latter forced into a left-back role against Japan in the World Cup opener. The 26-year-old recently stated he is certain about his future plans but is presently concentrating on the national team.
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"I have also said very clearly that I would like to have clarity for myself before the World Cup. And I have that too," he explained. "But then for now for myself it's just clear. I just want to play the World Cup as well as possible. That clarity will probably come after the World Cup when I make that step, then it's clear to everyone."
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Cristian Romero - Out
A transfer for Van Hecke would have implications for Tottenham's remaining business. The centre-back operates on the same side as Cristian Romero, who appears increasingly likely to depart this summer.
The 28-year-old featured 32 times last term but was ruled out with a knee problem towards the end of the campaign. Romero faced supporter criticism after it looked like he would miss the club's final fixture following a trip to Argentina, though he ultimately returned to England for the match.
The prospective signing of Van Hecke indicates that Romero's spell at Spurs may be drawing to a close. The World Cup winner would still attract substantial interest, although links with Manchester United have been dismissed.
Luka Vuskovic - Out
Tottenham's decision to bring in Van Hecke and Senesi could also force a difficult call regarding Luka Vuskovic. The Croatian defender garnered widespread praise during his loan stint at Hamburg, where he found the net six times in 28 Bundesliga outings.
The 19-year-old is poised to feature prominently for his nation at the World Cup, where a good performance against England would only heighten the spotlight on Vuskovic. The Athletic reported that Brighton recently tabled a £30m bid for the centre-back, which is said to align with the player's own vision for the next phase of his career.
Vuskovic is regarded as one of Europe's most exciting defensive prospects, but the additions of Van Hecke and Senesi, alongside Van de Ven, could restrict his opportunities at Spurs. Tottenham might prefer to loan out the teenager but a standout World Cup could prompt an offer the club finds impossible to refuse.
Joao Palhinha - In
A relatively straightforward piece of business if both sides are keen to finalise a deal. Joao Palhinha spent last season on loan at Spurs from Bayern Munich and featured regularly in midfield.
The Portugal international's loan arrangement included a £25.8million buy option. While it remains unclear whether a deal will be struck at that figure, the 30-year-old expressed his desire to remain in North London at the conclusion of last season.
"I always shared my thoughts. Since the first day I arrived I feel at home. From the supporters, the crowd. Top club. Who doesn't want to play for Tottenham and stay here? I have everything here," Palhinha said. "But this is like a marriage. What I can say to you is I would really like to be here and I enjoy it a lot this season with this club even being a tough season."
Savinho - In
This wouldn't be the first transfer window in which Savinho has been touted for a Tottenham move. A deal for the Manchester City winger failed to materialise last summer, and his position within the squad at the Etihad Stadium has not strengthened since.
The Brazilian, who joined from Troyes in 2024, managed just one Premier League goal last campaign. Pep Guardiola's City departure could see him wait to discover whether a new boss rates him more highly, but he may favour a fresh start elsewhere.
Despite the 22-year-old being left out of Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad, a £60m price tag has been mentioned. That doesn't seem to have put off Spurs, even though he has yet to hit his peak form in English football.