The Boy Hotspur

There’s strong, ongoing interest from Tottenham Hotspur in signing Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton this summer (2026), though nothing has been agreed yet. Van Hecke is said to be dominant in aerial duels (one of his key strengths). Solid in respect of ground duels, blocks, and clearance.

It’s a plausible summer deal but not guaranteed; it rather depends on Brighton’s valuation, Spurs’ budget/squad plans post-season, and competition. Van Hecke is ready for a step-up, and De Zerbi’s arrival surely boosts the chances of that. No concrete bid or agreement reported yet; it’s still at the “interest/discussion” stage, but momentum is building.

Jan Paul van Hecke is a modern, ball-playing centre-back who excels in progressive passing, ball-carrying, and proactive defending, making him well-suited to high-possession, build-from-the-back systems like those at Brighton under Fabian Hürzeler

Van Hecke stands out as one of the Premier League’s top ball-playing defenders — often described as a “quarterback” or “deep-lying playmaker.”

Passing: Excellent range and vision. Comfortable playing short, crisp passes to build rhythm or long diagonals to bypass lines and find wingers/full-backs. High accuracy under pressure; he scans constantly and breaks lines with vertical or progressive passes. Likes to play long balls and often distributes off the ground

Ball Carrying: Very progressive. He strides forward confidently from deep, carrying the ball into midfield or even higher to create overloads or draw fouls/press. He’s recorded elite carry numbers in past seasons (e.g., high distances covered with the ball). This helps Brighton escape pressure and transition quickly.

At Brighton, he acts as a key initiator in the first phase of build-up, helping the team play out from the back cleanly and purposefully. He’s versatile enough for a back three or four and thrives in systems that demand defenders contribute offensively. Many scouts rate him as a top-tier ball-playing CB with the potential to start for a Champions League side.

Our view

Should Tottenham get relegated, this may be a case of ‘all bets are off’, although De Zerbi’s influence ought not be underestimated.

Christ Inao Oulai has done well for the Turkish outfit Trabzonspor since joining the club last summer, and he is attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

The player has been described as a “complete midfielder”, and the North London club is keeping close tabs on his progress. According to Sports Boom, Tottenham are sending representatives to watch the player every week, and they view him as a “high-priority” target.

Christ Inao Oulai could be the ideal addition

The 20-year-old can operate as both a deep-lying midfielder and a defensive midfielder. He will add physicality, defensive, cover and control to the team. Tottenham need someone like him, and he could be the ideal replacement for Joao Palhinha.

The Portuguese international will leave the club when his loan deal expires, and Spurs will need to fill the void left by him. The 20-year-old midfielder could be the ideal long-term investment for them. He could form a solid partnership with Conor Gallagher at the heart of the Tottenham midfield.

The player is likely to cost around €50 million, and it remains to be seen whether Tottenham would be willing to pay that much for him. They will also face competition from Chelsea.

Spurs could be tempting for Oulai

The 20-year-old midfielder will want to compete at a high level and play for the biggest clubs in the world. The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be hard to turn down.

However, Tottenham must secure Premier League safety if they want to attract elite young talent like him. The midfielder will not want to compete in the second division of English football next season. Tottenham are 18th in the league table, and they are fighting for survival. It remains to be seen whether they can finish the season strongly and sign the Ivorian prodigy in the summer.

Former Tottenham player and interim coach Tim Sherwood says his heart is perhaps ruling his head. The cynicism around Cuti Romero is depressing, but clearly, this isn’t a unique view, as it can be seen everywhere online

“Couldn’t trust him as far as you can throw him…throwing the club under the bus time and time against this season”

Tim Sherwood doesn’t hold back on Spurs’ struggles 😮 pic.twitter.com/O3Ngq9qUwl

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 13, 2026

De Zerbi was appointed on March 31, 2026, on a five-year deal with no relegation clause. He’s publicly committed to staying even if they go down, but everything can change in football.

Tottenham sit 18th in the Premier League table after 32 games: 7 wins, 9 draws, 16 losses (30 points, GD -11). They’re winless in the league all year in 2026 (a 13-14 game streak, their longest since the 1930s), and have just dropped into or are hovering in the relegation zone. West Ham (17th, 32 points) recently overtook them, while Leeds (15th/16th-ish, 33 points) and Nottingham Forest (16th, 33 points) are the main threats above the drop. Burnley and Wolves are almost certainly down.

On paper, there’s talent, with Romero/van de Ven at CB, Porro/Udogie at full-back, with creative mids like Xavi Simons/Bergvall when fit, and goal threats in Richarlison/Solanke/Tel. Recent signings like Palhinha and others added depth, but injuries and form have nullified it.

The squad is better than the bottom three on talent alone, but injuries, poor recruitment balance (especially wide areas and midfield control), and a shattered mentality have exposed systemic flaws. De Zerbi’s possession/attacking style could help long-term, but with ~6 games left and zero momentum, these weaknesses make survival a massive uphill battle. One or two key returns and wins could flip it, but the fragility is real.

Spurs have historically struggled without him. Data from prior seasons shows better win rates, fewer goals conceded, and stronger underlying metrics (e.g., lower xGA) with him in the line-up. In 2025/26, they’ve lost six of nine league games he missed. His tackling, interceptions, and leadership stabilize the backline alongside Micky van de Ven (also injury-prone).

Short-term, losing their best/most influential defender and captain during a relegation dogfight would hurt more than help—defensive stats and results back this. Long-term, if Spurs stabilize (stay up or bounce back), cashing in on a high-maintenance player with one eye on the exit could be smart. The bigger issues are structural: squad depth, recruitment, and managerial instability.

Romero is a symptom, not the sole cause, Tim.

This weekend didn’t improve the supporter’s mood. Spurs lost, and Cuti Romero collided with his own goalkeeper, Antonín Kinsky (after being pushed by Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey while shielding the ball), in the second half around the 63rd-70th minute. Romero stayed down for treatment, limped off in visible distress and tears, and was substituted. Kinsky received treatment for a head cut but continued.

The main concern is a medial collateral ligament injury in his right knee. His knee went into a valgus (inward) position on impact, and he was seen holding the inner side of his knee. There is also mention of knee instability, with scans and ligament tests underway to confirm the extent (possible bone bruise, low-grade MCL sprain, or worse). Manager Roberto De Zerbi noted uncertainty but hoped it wasn’t serious, describing it as potentially a knee issue.

lol of course Romero’s going to be fit in time for the World Cup. He doesn’t give a shit about Tottenham and the other players too. We need to sell Romero this summer and most of this squad because this squad isn’t good enough and we need a new medical team, new owners and we…

— Ediz Ahmet (@EdizAhmet4) April 13, 2026

The prognosis isn’t great, as Cuti will now miss the rest of his Tottenham season. Naturally, some cynical voices are questioning the sincerity of Cuti’s tears after yesterday’s game. He is expected to recover in time for the 2026 World Cup with Argentina (starting in June), which is a big relief as he’s a key player for them. This is a fresh injury; Romero has a history of adductor, hamstring, and hip issues in prior seasons, but nothing directly matching this.

Danny Murphy on talkSPORT was brutal.

“I think his tears were probably because he thinks he’ll miss the World Cup.

“I know that sounds a bit cynical, but…”

Is Murphy on his own?

The goalkeeping department has been a major concern for Tottenham, and they are looking at multiple players to improve that area.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, they are interested in signing Bart Verbruggen from Brighton at the end of the season. According to reports, Roberto De Zerbi is keen on a reunion, having managed the player at Brighton.

Guglielmo Vicario has been quite inconsistent, and Antonin Kinsky has not been able to impress. Investing in a quality goalkeeper will be a priority for Tottenham in the summer. The Netherlands goalkeeper has impressed with Brighton, and there is no doubt that he has the quality to play for a bigger club.

Bart Verbruggen admires Roberto De Zerbi

The Tottenham manager knows him while having worked with the player, and the 23-year-old rates the Italian highly as well. Verbruggen has previously labelled De Zerbi as a brilliant manager.

“He makes you want to work harder and harder and harder. And that’s not just me. I see it happening for everybody around me in the team as well. He also prepares you for the games so well. He says stuff to you, like ‘You can expect this, you can expect that’. And then, come gameday, you see it happening in front of you.

“He is a brilliant manager”, Verbruggen told Sky Sports in the past.

Can Spurs land Verbruggen?

Tottenham will be optimistic about getting the deal done, especially given the mutual admiration between the player and the manager. However, Brighton will not want to lose a key player easily. The goalkeeper is likely to cost a premium in the summer. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham can get the deal done.

They are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League. They are going through a difficult run, and they need to raise their performance in the remaining matches of the season to stay up. They cannot expect to sign quality players if they go down to the championship.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can secure safety in the coming weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to improve their defensive unit with the signing of Italian defender Giorgio Scalvini.

The 22-year-old has been outstanding for Atalanta, and he is regarded as one of the finest young defensive talents in Europe right now. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are actively looking to sign the player in the summer.

Roberto De Zerbi has identified the Italian as a target, and it will be interesting to see if Tottenham can win the race for his signature. They will face competition from Newcastle United, who are long-term admirers of the player.

The defender has been described as a “Rolls-Royce of a centre-back“.

Scalvini could fancy a big move

Scalvini could be attracted to the idea of moving to the Premier League in the summer. It would be an exciting challenge for him, and this is the right time to try something different. He is a young player with a lot of potential, and regular football in England could help him improve further and fulfil his potential.

Tottenham have a quality team and has brought in a reputable manager. The young defender will want to compete at the highest level with them in the near future. Meanwhile, the Italian club will not want to lose him easily. They could demand a premium for the young defender. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham is prepared to pay up.

Spurs need Giorgio Scalvini

They have been quite poor defensively, and they need to tighten up at the back. In addition, players like Cristian Romero have been linked with moves away from the club. They will need to replace their captain if he decides to move on.

Scalvini would be a long-term acquisition for them. He could form a solid partnership with Luka Vuskovic in the long run. The Croatian defender is currently on loan at Hamburg, and he will return to Tottenham in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old is highly rated across Europe, and he has impressed during his loan spell at Marseille. He has also worked with Roberto De Zerbi at the French outfit. The Italian manager rates him highly, and he has previously described him as a “little superstar”.

Spurs want Arthur Vermeeren

According to a report from FussballDaten, Tottenham are hoping to sign the “modern playmaker”, and he could cost €35 million. It will be interesting to see if they follow up on their interest with an official proposal at the end of the season.

Vermeeren is a defensive midfielder who will add control, defensive cover and physicality in the middle of the park. They need to replace Joao Palhinha at the end of the season, and the Belgian midfielder could be ideal.

The Portuguese international is on loan at Tottenham. He will leave when the loan expires.

RB Leipzig ready to sell Vermeeren

The Belgian midfielder is on loan at the French club from RB Leipzig. The German club is unlikely to accommodate him in the starting lineup next season, and they will want to sell him permanently. Marseille have an option to sign him for €20 million, but the French outfit is facing financial problems and will not be able to exercise it.

This is a golden opportunity for Tottenham to snap him up at a reasonable price. The Belgian is regarded as one of the finest talents to have emerged from his country in recent years. He has the attributes to develop into a future star, and he could be a superb long-term investment for the North London club.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Andrew Robertson from Liverpool at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old left back has announced that he will leave the club on a free transfer in the summer. According to David Ornstein from The Athletic, Tottenham are currently in pole position for the Scottish international.

Andrew Robertson has been an exceptional performer

Robertson has been one of the best left-backs in Premier League history, and he should prove to be an excellent acquisition for Tottenham in the short term. They need more leaders in the dressing room, and the 32-year-old could be ideal for them.

Apart from his qualities as a footballer, his leadership skills and experience could be a priceless addition to Tottenham. Signing a player of his quality and experience on a free transfer would be an added bonus.

Robertson is a reliable defender at the back, and he is equally good going forward. He has 60 assists in the Premier League, the second highest for a defender. He has 13 goals and 69 assists in all competitions for Liverpool.

Robertson could be a leader for Spurs

The player is well settled in the Premier League, and he could make an immediate impact at the north London club. They need an experienced mentor for Souza, and the Liverpool star would be ideal. It remains to be seen whether they can convince the player to join the club. Tottenham was also heavily linked with Robertson during the January transfer window, but the player decided to remain with Liverpool until the end of the season.

The Scottish International has been an exceptional servant for Liverpool over the years, but he has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of Milos Kerkez. He will be hoping to play more often, and a move to Spurs could be an exciting opportunity. He would be able to continue playing in the Premier League and compete at a high level.

Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

According to a report from SportsBoom, newly appointed Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has urged the club to make a move for the 21-year-old. The Italian manager worked with the Belgian during their time together at Marseille, and Vermeeren impressed under his management.

Spurs could use Arthur Vermeeren

Tottenham need more control and defensive cover in the middle of the park, and the Belgian could be ideal. He is excellent at controlling the tempo of the game from the deep, and he will also protect the back four.

The player is currently on loan at the French club from RB Leipzig. It remains to be seen whether the German outfit is prepared to sanction his departure permanently in the summer. The report claims that the midfielder would be open to a reunion with the Italian manager.

De Zerbi has instructed Tottenham to add the Belgian to the list of targets for the summer transfer window. Vermeeren has been hailed as a “top player” in the past.

Vermeeren could be a future asset

Vermeeren is a young player with a lot of potential, and he could develop into a quality performer for Tottenham. He knows the way De Zerbi likes to play, and he might be able to settle in quickly and make an immediate impact. He is a young player with a lot of room for improvement, and he could develop into a future star with the right guidance.

For now, Tottenham must focus on securing safety in the Premier League. They will not be able to attract elite young talents if they go down to the Championship. This has been a disastrous campaign for them, and the Italian manager will be expected to guide them to safety first.

Tottenham Hotspur is looking to sign Ian Subiabre from River Plate at the end of the season.

According to a report from El Transigente, Tottenham is ‘accelerating’ their pursuit of the talented young attacker.

Ian Subiabre will cost a premium

Subiabre is one of the most highly rated gems of Argentine football right now, and River Plate will not let him leave easily. They are demanding a ‘shocking price’ of €100 million for the attacker. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham is willing to pay that kind of money.

Clubs from Germany have also made enquiries about the young attacker. Subiabre’s representatives are open to the possibility of leaving River Plate in the summer, and they would have no problems negotiating if a proposal meets the club’s demands.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham is prepared to make a serious offer for the talented young attacker.

Subiabre is a promising talent

They need more quality and depth in the attacking unit, and the 19-year-old would be a long-term acquisition for them. He can operate on either flank, and he will add goals and creativity to the team. Subiabre has six goal contributions in all competitions.

Even though the asking price is quite high, the player has the potential to justify the investment in future. He has all the attributes to develop into a star in the long-term. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for him. Regular exposure to English football will accelerate his development and help him fulfil his potential. Tottenham are looking to build a team for the future, and investing in one of the best young South American players would be a step in the right direction.

However, they need to improve multiple areas of the squad and investing €100 million in the Argentine prodigy might be difficult.