Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League fixture list for the 2026-27 season has been revealed, as Roberto De Zerbi endeavours to drag the Lilywhites away from the dreaded relegation zone.

Spurs' domestic performances over the last two campaigns have been unacceptable, but their Premier League status remains perpetual, and optimism is growing for the upcoming campaign thanks to eye-catching early transfer activity.

Tottenham confirmed the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke on Thursday following the arrivals of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, and the trio now know who they could make their competitive Spurs debuts against.

Here, Sports Mole brings you the full list of Tottenham's Premier League fixtures for the 2026-27 season.

Tottenham 2026-27 Premier League fixtures key dates

Brentford, August 22 (A)

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For the second time in four seasons, a new Tottenham Hotspur manager will begin their first full season away to Brentford, who hosted Ange Postecoglou's Spurs on his first match in charge in 2023.

The Bees are quickly becoming used to welcoming North London clubs to the Gtech Community Stadium in round one, having memorably sunk Arsenal in their inaugural Premier League game in 2021-22.

Of course, Brentford and Spurs are now intertwined by erstwhile head coach Thomas Frank, and the battle with Keith Andrews's Bees will prove a good early test of Tottenham's new-found mettle under De Zerbi.

Brighton & Hove Albion, December 30 (A)

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Whether De Zerbi can celebrate a happy New Year or not should largely depend on how his side perform in his maiden reunion with old club Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Seagulls will welcome De Zerbi - and Van Hecke - back to the Amex in each team's final Premier League game of 2026 on December 30, shortly after Spurs visit the South Coast again to battle Bournemouth on Boxing Day.

De Zerbi picked up his first Tottenham point last season against his former employers in a 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Italian previously won 38 of his 89 games at the Brighton helm.

Arsenal, May 1 (A)

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The month of may is not looking so merry for Tottenham, who have been dealt a brutal end to the 2026-27 campaign, starting with a trip to the champions at the beginning of the month.

How Spurs perform at the Emirates could prove pivotal for the remainder of a merciless May, which also features games against Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa, as well as a potential FA Cup final.

Liverpool reportedly have no plans to make an approach for Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven.

Although Jeremy Jacquet is arriving from Rennes this summer, Liverpool continue to weigh up their central-defensive options due to Ibrahima Konate joining Real Madrid.

Furthermore, the exit of Andrew Robertson to Tottenham Hotspur means that a new left-back could also arrive at Anfield, depending on whether Kostas Tsimikas moves elsewhere.

Van de Ven is currently representing Netherlands at the World Cup and is due to start Saturday's fixture against Sweden.

Unless Ronald Koeman changes personnel or system, he will begin that crucial Group F game at left-back.

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Liverpool not planning Van de Ven move

As per talkSPORT's Alex Crook, who was posting on X, Liverpool are currently against making a move for the 25-year-old.

With Spurs finalising a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion's Jan Paul van Hecke - Van de Ven's Dutch teammate - on Thursday, three new defenders have arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Therefore, the door appears to be ajar for the North Londoners to attract interest in Van de Ven, who has been linked with a number of bigger clubs.

Nevertheless, at this point in time, it is claimed that Liverpool are 'not actively pursuing' the player.

In three seasons at Spurs, Van de Ven has contributed 10 goals and three assists from 96 appearances in all competitions.

Despite injury issues in the past, he was able to feature on 35 occasions in the Premier League during 2025-26.

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Could Liverpool change their stance?

If it becomes apparent that Van de Ven could leave Spurs this summer, Liverpool will plausibly change their stance.

A long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, another of Van de Ven's international teammates, is required sooner rather than later.

Providing that Van Dijk's advises such a move, Van de Ven could fit seamlessly into the Liverpool backline if Van Dijk - who is nearly 35 - departs the Merseyside giants over the next 12 months.

Much may depend on a fee. Liverpool would plausibly need to pay in excess of £60m if they wanted to sign a player of Van de Ven's quality who has three years left on his contract.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported £52m.

The centre-back - who is currently away representing the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup - has become Roberto De Zerbi's third signing of the summer after Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.

Reports emerged on Tuesday claiming that Tottenham had agreed a £52m deal for Van Hecke, who was about to enter the final year of his contract with Brighton, and he completed his medical on Thursday.

Journalist Alasdair Gold reports that Tottenham's deal for Van Hecke also includes a 20% sell-on clause, but that only applies on any profit that Spurs make if they were to sell the 26-year-old for a higher fee in the future.

Speaking to Tottenham's official channels after his arrival, Van Hecke said: "It's a huge honour to become a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it's a dream come true.

Jan Paul van Hecke: 'Micky van de Ven told me great things about Tottenham'

"I already have a really strong connection with the Head Coach, who I'm looking forward to working with again. Micky (van de Ven) has also told me some great things about the Club, so I can't wait to get started.

"I've been at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player and now I'm looking forward to walking out there in front of our fans wearing the Spurs shirt. That will be a special moment."

Van Hecke formerly worked under De Zerbi at Brighton, who signed the defender for a mere £1.7m from NAC Breda in 2020, before he spent successive seasons out on loan with Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers.

Following his Brighton breakthrough in the 2022-23 season, Van Hecke made 131 appearances for the Seagulls in all competitions, scoring four goals and assisting six more.

The Dutchman registered three goals and three helpers in 36 Premier League games last season and also played the full 90 minutes in the Netherlands' 2-2 World Cup draw with Japan on Sunday.

Shirt numbers available to Jan Paul van Hecke at Tottenham

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At the start of the 2025-26 season, Van Hecke was bestowed with the number six shirt at Brighton, the same number he is currently sporting for the Netherlands.

The centre-back could very well retain that jersey at Tottenham, as its last occupant - Joao Palhinha - is not expected to sign from Bayern Munich on a permanent deal following his loan spell.

Alternatively, Van Hecke could take the traditional centre-back's '5', which has been vacant since Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's exit, although Senesi should also have his eyes on that shirt.

The number two shirt has also had no taker since Matt Doherty departed in 2023, although Robertson would be a more viable candidate for a recognised full-back's jersey.

Twelve is also available for Van Hecke, and the 16 could also be free if Brighton-linked Luka Vuskovic heads in the opposite direction.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly stepping up their interest in Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat, who has emerged as one of the most sought-after young talents in European football.

After narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day of the 2025-26 Premier League season, Spurs are expected to oversee a major squad rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi.

Strengthening the midfield is high on the club's agenda, and De Cat has reportedly been identified as a player capable of becoming a long-term fixture in the heart of the side.

Tottenham in contact to sign Nathan De Cat?

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De Cat enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Anderlecht last season, establishing himself as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from Belgium in recent years.

Despite being only 17, the midfielder has already earned a senior international cap and attracted widespread admiration for his composure in possession, ball-winning ability and maturity beyond his years.

According to TeamTalk, Tottenham are among the clubs pushing hardest for his signature and have already made contact with Anderlecht to explore the conditions of a potential transfer.

Spurs reportedly view De Cat as a future deep-lying playmaker, although they face fierce competition from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Do Tottenham have better chance to sign De Cat?

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De Cat has entered the final year of his contract, leaving Anderlecht with an important decision to make over the coming months.

The Belgian club must either negotiate an extension or consider a sale this summer to avoid the risk of losing one of their most valuable academy products for nothing in 2027.

Reports suggest Anderlecht would be willing to listen to offers in the region of £34.7m, a fee that would represent a club-record sale and underline the faith placed in the youngster's potential.

While German clubs boast an impressive track record when it comes to developing elite prospects, Tottenham will hope the opportunity to work under De Zerbi and a clearly defined pathway to first-team football can strengthen their position in the race.

Tottenham Hotspur's ambitious summer rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi shows no signs of slowing down.

After already moving for several high-profile targets, Spurs have now entered the race for one of Germany's most exciting young attacking talents as they continue to reshape their squad following another turbulent campaign.

The North London outfit face competition from several Premier League rivals, but believe they may have found a way to gain an edge in the race to sign Said El Mala.

Spurs open talks to hijack Said El Mala transfer

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Spurs have opened discussions over a move for the highly-rated Cologne attacking midfielder, according to TEAMtalk.

The 19-year-old dynamo has attracted significant attention following an impressive rise in Germany, with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest already holding talks over a potential transfer. Brentford had also explored a deal before withdrawing from negotiations earlier this summer.

Spurs have tracked El Mala extensively throughout the 2025/26 campaign and have now made contact with the player's representatives as they look to accelerate their interest.

One complication surrounding the transfer is the player's desire for his older brother, Malek El Mala, to also be included in any deal. The family element has proven difficult for several interested clubs, with many only wanting to sign Said.

Tottenham, however, are reportedly willing to explore a 'unique' compromise, which could help them steal a march on their rivals. The Germany Under-21 international is valued at around £35 million and is understood to be very open to a move to the Premier League.

Having scored 27 goals in 81 senior appearances already in his young career, El Mala is viewed as a player capable of making an impact immediately while also possessing enormous long-term potential.

Who is Spurs target Said El Mala?

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El Mala is regarded as one of the brightest attacking prospects currently emerging from German football.

Comfortable operating across the front line, he combines pace, directness and technical quality with an eye for goal. His versatility is particularly appealing to De Zerbi, who values forwards capable of interchanging positions and creating overloads in attacking areas.

Stylistically, comparisons have been made to Kingsley Coman - like the Bayern Munich winger, El Mala thrives when attacking space from wide positions, particularly cutting inside from the left onto his stronger right foot. He possesses excellent acceleration, strong dribbling ability and the composure to finish chances when they arise.

The level of interest from clubs such as Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Brighton and now Tottenham underlines just how highly he is rated.

For Spurs, this feels exactly the type of signing De Zerbi has built his reputation on throughout his coaching career, identifying elite young talent before their value explodes.

At £35 million, El Mala would represent a significant investment, but one that could look very smart if his development continues on its current trajectory.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a £52m deal with Brighton & Hove Albion for centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, the newest report has revealed.

The summer transfer window is open for Premier League teams, though deals may be difficult to complete due to the ongoing World Cup, with some of the most coveted players busy battling for their nations.

However, Roberto De Zerbi's side have already signed Andrew Robertson and Marcos Senesi for free, while they are also thought to be pursuing Brighton defender Van Hecke.

The 26-year-old has been the subject of failed bids from Spurs, and some fans were fearful that his participation at the World Cup for the Netherlands would disrupt a potential switch.

David Ornstein allayed those concerns as he has reported for The Athletic that Tottenham have now reached an agreement with Brighton worth £52m.

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How will Roberto De Zerbi line up with Van Hecke?

Tottenham will head into the 2026-27 season with a remarkably altered backline, with Van Hecke set to join left-back Andrew Robertson and centre-back Marcos Senesi through the doors at the club.

Robertson may not be as athletic as he once was, but he may prove to be more reliable than Destiny Udogie, who has struggled with injury issues during his time in London.

Current centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven could be sidelined by the Londoners' latest additions, though selling both in one summer may leave the team light at the back.

However, after a season in which Spurs conceded 57 Premier League goals, neither can have many complaints if they are benched by newcomers.

Van Hecke and Senesi are also significant upgrades with the ball at their feet compared to their counterparts, so expect to see the two in the middle of a back four flanked by Robertson and right-back Pedro Porro, who has signed a new deal to extend his stay at the club until 2031.

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Tottenham Hotspur transfer news: Where else should Spurs strengthen?

Spurs have been recently linked with Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, but so have the likes of Manchester United.

The lack of European football could prove damaging for Tottenham if they wish to compete with teams at the top of the table for star players.

There is an argument that Tonali would not be the right fit for the club anyway considering he is not a specialist with the ball, and De Zerbi's teams have always emphasised playing through the centre of the pitch.

A midfielder will be needed regardless of changes to the squad, especially as Joao Palhinha's loan has expired.

Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for one of their most significant transfer windows in years as Roberto De Zerbi begins reshaping the squad to fit his philosophy.

After steering Spurs away from relegation danger and securing Premier League survival, the Italian is expected to receive strong backing from the club’s hierarchy ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

A new midfielder is high on the agenda, and Sandro Tonali has now emerged as the Italian’s ideal signing.

Sandro Tonali stance on Spurs summer transfer now revealed

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According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the north Londoners believe Tonali is open to joining the club and would be interested in a move this summer.

Romano reports that Spurs are preparing to push aggressively for the Newcastle United midfielder, with discussions over a potential transfer package expected to follow if initial encouragement continues.

Tonali has been identified as a 'priority target' by De Zerbi, who is a long-time admirer of his fellow Italian. The Italy international's blend of technical quality, tactical intelligence and defensive work-rate makes him an ideal fit for the high-intensity style De Zerbi wants to implement at Tottenham.

While Newcastle are under no pressure to sell one of their key players, Spurs are hopeful that Tonali's apparent openness to the move could help negotiations progress.

Any deal would likely require a substantial fee, thought to be in excess of £100 million, with the 26-year-old still regarded as one of the Premier League's standout midfielders.

What other transfer business could Spurs do this summer?

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Tonali may be the headline target, but he is unlikely to be the only major addition Spurs pursue this summer.

Having already brought in Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson on free transfers, further defensive reinforcements are expected, especially with Cristian Romero’s future still uncertain amid ongoing interest from Atletico Madrid.

A replacement may be needed regardless, and Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke has emerged as a leading candidate after impressing in the Premier League and previously working under De Zerbi on the south coast.

His familiarity with the manager’s demands only strengthens his appeal should Spurs decide to cash in on Romero.

Goalkeeper is another position likely to be addressed.

With Guglielmo Vicario expected to leave and long-term hierarchy concerns between the posts, Spurs are weighing their options. Bart Verbruggen - another of De Zerbi’s former Brighton standouts - remains firmly on his radar.

The young Dutchman is viewed as one of the Premier League’s most promising keepers and would slot seamlessly into De Zerbi’s style of play.

If Tottenham can secure Tonali while also adding a centre-back and a goalkeeper, it would represent a genuinely transformative window, giving De Zerbi a far stronger platform to push Spurs back toward the top half of the Premier League table.

The 2026 summer transfer window may only have been open for a number of hours at the time of writing, but Tottenham Hotspur have already been one of the busier Premier League clubs in the market.

The Lilywhites have signed a Champions League winner and World Cup representative without even opening their chequebook, bringing in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers following their exits from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively, while talks to sign Savinho from Manchester City are said to be coming along nicely.

Spurs retaining their Premier League status on the final day was of paramount importance to their transfer plans under Roberto De Zerbi and Johan Lange, who cannot lose sight of the top end of the field amid their defensive overhaul.

Here, Sports Mole assesses Tottenham's biggest transfer priorities for the 2026 summer window.

Tottenham transfer priority 1: Midfield enforcer

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As things stand, Tottenham will head into the 2026-27 season with two fewer midfielders than they ended the 2025-26 campaign with, as Yves Bissouma and Joao Palhinha have likely both played their final matches for the club.

Bissouma is already confirmed to be leaving as a free agent, while a permanent Palhinha signing from Bayern Munich looks a long shot, depriving Tottenham of two defensive-minded midfield options.

Player of the Season Archie Gray rarely lets Tottenham down in the engine room, but the 20-year-old is yet to convince De Zerbi, playing just eight minutes in total across Spurs' last five Premier League matches of 2025-26.

Tottenham have reportedly joined the race for Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali to upgrade their engine room, and at 26 years old, the Magpie would slot seamlessly into Tottenham's midfield ranks alongside the youthful Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr, and a Rodrigo Bentancur who continues to divide opinion.

Tottenham transfer priority 2: Striker upgrade

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Filling Harry Kane's boots would be a tall order for most centre-forwards on the planet, but Tottenham have arguably not replaced their all-time leading scorer as adequately as they could have done.

No Spurs player over the past three seasons has managed more than 17 goals in all tournaments; Son Heung-min hit that total in 2023-24, before Brennan Johnson's high of 11 in 2024-25 and Richarlison's club-best of 12 last term.

All the while, record signing Dominic Solanke has struggled for form and fitness, netting just six goals all told in 2025-26, while Mathys Tel is an unfinished prodigy and Dane Scarlett remains on the fringes.

As Richarlison is also about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, a number nine upgrade should be high on Lange's shopping list, and Tottenham have apparently been offered a Serie A striker to at least partially alleviate their attacking issues.

Tottenham transfer priority 3: The Luka Vuskovic situation

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Believe it or not, Tottenham are currently in possession of one of the highest-rated teenage defenders Europe has to offer, and one whom they cannot afford to make the wrong decision over.

Nineteen-year-old Luka Vuskovic - currently away with Croatia at the World Cup - continued to go from strength to strength last season, when he enjoyed his first taste of football in a Big Five European league with Hamburg and netted six times in the Bundesliga.

The 6ft 4in teenager had already established a reputation as an exceptional attacking force, amassing 10 direct involvements in 36 games for Belgian side Westerlo, and also opening his Croatia account on just his third senior appearance.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly moving swiftly to execute a comprehensive squad overhaul under head coach Roberto De Zerbi ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The Lilywhites endured a highly challenging domestic season in the Premier League, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic relegation to the Championship.

De Zerbi has already secured high-profile defensive additions to fortify his backline, completing deals for full-back Andrew Robertson and centre-back Marcos Senesi.

Attention is now believed to have firmly shifted toward completely rebuilding the team's engine room to elevate the technical capabilities of the North London outfit.

Spurs 'enter race' for Arsenal and Man City target

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According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have officially joined the race to capture Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

De Zerbi has identified his fellow countryman as the primary target to become the defining star of his newly constructed midfield.

However, securing the 26-year-old maestro will require Spurs to fend off intense competition from reigning league champions Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Magpies hold significant leverage in ongoing discussions as the highly-rated midfielder remains under a lucrative contract at St James' Park until June 2028, though there is the option of an additional year.

Notably, Newcastle have reportedly placed a staggering £100m asking price on the international star following their failure to qualify for European competition.

How Sandro Tonali would transform the Spurs midfield

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The prospective arrival of the tactical playmaker would provide immediate defensive security and energy to the Spurs engine room.

Newcastle remain reluctant sellers, but their financial position has been significantly aided by the recent high-profile sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.

Arsenal previously launched an unsuccessful enquiry for the Italian maestro during the January window and remain deeply attentive to his current situation.

Meanwhile, Man City view the former AC Milan asset as an elite alternative if their primary pursuit of Elliot Anderson collapses.

Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly made a decision over whether to continue their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic after failing with an opening offer.

The Seagulls are preparing for life back in Europe next season after Fabian Hurzeler’s side finished eighth in the Premier League to qualify for the Conference League.

Hurzeler is keen to bolster his defensive options after seeing Adam Webster leave upon the expiration of his contract, and Vuskovic appears to have been identified as one of the club's top targets.

Last week, it was reported that Brighton submitted a bid worth €35m (£30m) for Vuskovic, who has also attracted strong interest from other ‘leading clubs’ across Europe.

Sky Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg claims that Spurs immediately rejected Brighton’s offer, but the Seagulls are ‘very likely’ to return with an improved proposal.

Vuskovic is said to have already reached a verbal agreement with Brighton over a move to the Amex Stadium, and the South Coast club are currently the ‘most concrete’ team in the race for his signature.

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Vuskovic keen to join Brighton despite rejected bid from Spurs

Brighton’s interest in Vuskovic comes after Spurs attempted to sign their centre-back Jan Paul Van Hecke, but saw two bids for the Dutchman turned down, as confirmed by CEO Paul Barber last week.

It is thought that Brighton are keen to sign Vuskovic regardless as to whether they agree to sell Van Hecke, but Hurzeler’s ideal scenario is to have both defenders at his disposal.

Vuskovic joined Spurs from Croatian club Hajduk Split for around £12m in July last year, and he featured for the North Londoners during last summer’s pre-season.

However, the 19-year-old was loaned out to Bundesliga side Hamburger SV for the 2025-26 campaign and made a notable impression for the German club, scoring six goals in 28 league appearances.

Standing at 6ft 4in tall, Vuskovic is regarded as one of Croatia’s brightest talents and could start for the national team against England in their opening Group L fixture at the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday.