Sports Mole

After back-to-back 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur have made a statement in the summer transfer window, with five new signings and a sixth on the horizon set to take their total spending to £237m.

Sandro Tonali is set to become Spurs’ club-record signing after a £100m package with Newcastle United was agreed earlier this week, with the Italian midfielder in London for his medical.

Tottenham’s current transfer record was broken on Thursday when the club confirmed the £85m arrival of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, beating long-term suitors Manchester United to his signature.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side have also forked out £52m on Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, while fellow centre-back Marcos Senesi, left-back Andrew Robertson and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka have all moved to North London on free transfers.

Ahead of the 2026-27 season, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how Spurs could line up with some of their latest signings from the summer transfer window.

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It is widely expected that De Zerbi will predominantly use a four-at-the-back system at Tottenham, though there may be some occasions where the Italian head coach would prefer to switch to a back three for certain matches.

With Guglielmo Vicario expected to leave the club this summer, Antonin Kinsky is currently set to be entrusted with the number one jersey for next season after signing a new contract with the club. Dubravka, meanwhile, will provide experienced backup.

Pedro Porro, who also signed a new contract in June, is Spurs’ undisputed first-choice right-back, ahead of Djed Spence in the pecking order, while new recruit Robertson will provide stern competition for Destiny Udogie, Spence, Souza and Ben Davies for the left-back berth.

While Robertson may not be a guaranteed starter to begin with, Van Hecke is expected to form a centre-back partnership with fellow Dutchman Mickey Van de Ven, while Cristian Romero is expected to leave this summer.

Senesi, who played a crucial role in helping Bournemouth finish sixth in the Premier League last season, is also a strong contender for regular starts and may now climb ahead of Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin in the centre-back pecking order.

Tottenham’s midfield has been upgraded with the arrival of tenacious 21-year-old playmaker Fernandes, and the expected arrival of dynamic regista Tonali, with the £185m duo expected to slot straight into De Zerbi’s XI.

Conor Gallagher, Archei Gray, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr will all provide midfield competition, while Joao Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall are likely to depart this summer.

After a frustrating season on the sidelined through injury, James Maddison will hope to be fit and firing for Spurs in 2026-27 and could reclaim the number 10 position,. Xavi Simons - currently recovering from an ACL injury - could also play centrally or operate out on the left where he played 11 times in his debut season at the club.

Dejan Kulusevski is another who endured a nightmare injury-hit campaign, but he will be hoping to battle for starts on either flank when fully fit. Mohammed Kudus appears to be ahead of him for the right-wing position, though, while Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore are other wide options at De Zerbi's disposal.

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly have plans to make an approach for Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi.

Spurs are currently going on what is an unprecedented spending spree at the start of the summer transfer window in an effort to steal a march on their Premier League rivals.

On Thursday morning, West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes became the latest addition to Roberto De Zerbi's squad.

Furthermore, Sandro Tonali will complete a £100m transfer from Newcastle United before the end of the week, adding to the likes of Martin Dubravka, Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke who have already signed for Spurs.

According to The Independent, in-demand Kroupi is the next player on Spurs' radar.

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How much would Spurs have to pay for Kroupi?

The report says that De Zerbi is now eager to strengthen in the final third, particularly with someone who can play down the left-hand side.

Spurs are allegedly prepared to pay big money for the France Under-21 international, who has also been linked with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.

Bournemouth are said to have no intention of considering any offers that are below their valuation of £80m.

In his first year of Premier League football, Kroupi contributed 13 goals from 33 appearances in 2025-26.

Such has been his progression that a call-up to the France squad after the World Cup is a realistic possibility.

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When will Spurs start considering player sales?

There will come a point when Spurs will want, and need, to start giving genuine consideration to player sales.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been linked with a move to Italy, while Brighton & Hove Albion are pushing hard for Luka Vuskovic.

Left-back Souza, midfielder Lucas Bergvall, and one of Richarlison or Dominic Solanke may also be considered for exits.

De Zerbi will surely want to get his squad numbers down by the time that Spurs are through the opening weeks of pre-season.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the arrival of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United in a club-record transfer.

The 21-year-old has made the move to North London for a reported £85m fee, smashing Tottenham's previous transfer record of £65m spent on striker Dominic Solanke.

Manchester United were initially seen as the leading contenders for Fernandes's signature, but the Red Devils backed away from a deal after refusing to match Tottenham's £85m bid.

The Portugal international becomes Tottenham's fifth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Andy Robertson, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, but his status as Spurs' record signing could be broken in days.

Tottenham have reportedly also agreed a £100m deal for Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali, who will soon link up with fellow Spurs newcomer Fernandes in the centre of Roberto De Zerbi's midfield.

Mateus Fernandes's first words as Tottenham player after £85m move confirmed

Speaking for the first time as a Tottenham player to the club's official channels, Fernandes said: "I'm very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club and the Head Coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.

"When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way - going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can't wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the Club."

Meanwhile, De Zerbi highlighted the qualities that made Fernandes stand out as a midfield candidate, adding: "I've admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.

"Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments. I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I'm excited to start working with him."

Fernandes registered four goals and four assists in 38 games for West Ham following his 2025 arrival from Southampton, but he was unable to save the Irons from relegation to the Championship.

Tottenham confirm Mateus Fernandes shirt number

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Tottenham did not immediately confirm Fernandes's shirt number, but the Lilywhites quickly revealed that the 21-year-old will be sporting the number 18 shirt.

Fernandes donned the same jersey during his time with Southampton and West Ham, and he also wore that number for Portugal's Under-19s and Under-21s before stepping up to senior level.

The last Tottenham player to be bestowed with the number 18 shirt was Yang Min-hyeok, who spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Portsmouth and Coventry City and is yet to make his senior Spurs debut.

Notable Tottenham players to sport the 18 include Harry Kane in 2014-15 and Jurgen Klinsmann in 1994-95, while Giovani Lo Celso and Jermain Defoe have also worn that number in recent years.

Lucas Bergvall has provided a fresh update on his future at Tottenham Hotspur following Sweden’s exit from the 2026 World Cup.

The 20-year-old became Sweden’s youngest ever World Cup player during the group stage before starting in midfield in Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to France in the last 32.

After the match, Bergvall was questioned over his club future after reports emerged last month claiming that he has requested to leave Spurs this summer in pursuit of a fresh challenge.

As quoted by Sport Witness, Bergvall said: “I want continuous matches in my position. That is the only goal. We’ll see what happens in the future. I’ve only been focused on the World Cup until now.”

The midfielder was then asked directly whether he is keen to remain in the Premier League, and he replied: “As I said, my focus has been on the World Cup. We’ll deal with whatever comes next. I don’t know – we’ll see.”

It is understood that Nottingham Forest are ready to offer Bergvall an 'very good deal’ in an attempt to lure him to the City Ground, with the Tricky Trees prepared to use the funds generated from the sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City.

Stoke sign Galbraith for £10m from Swansea

In the Championship, Stoke City have announced the signing of Northern Ireland international Ethan Galbraith from Swansea City on a four-year contract.

The 25-year-old has moved to the Potters for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £10m plus add-ons which would make him the joint-13th biggest sale in Swansea’s history.

Galbraith only joined Swansea from Leyton Orient last summer for around £1.5m, but the Welsh club now stand to make a significant profit in excess of £8m.

“Ethan is a player we feel can make a real difference,” Sporting Director Jonathan Walters told the club's website. “In our view, he’s one of the most gifted midfielders in the Championship, and at 25 he has his best years ahead of him.

“He’s a player who can help us get to where we want to be, and we firmly believe he has all the attributes to succeed at the next level, which is where we want this football club to get to.

“To be able to attract a player of Ethan’s calibre is another statement of intent. It reflects the ambition that runs throughout the football club and the backing we’ve received from John Coates as we continue building a squad capable of achieving our ambitions.”

Galbraith accumulated 3,108 minutes and started 36 games for Swansea last season, recording 39 interceptions and 201 recoveries - the highest recovery total of any outfield player at the club.

Comfortable operating in midfield or at full-back, Galbraith has become Stoke’s fourth signing of the summer after Svante Ingelsson, Djibril Soumare and Milan Smit, with Mark Robins’s side spending around £20m on new recruits thus far.

Rangers complete two more signings under McInnes

Elsewhere, Rangers have added two new players to their squad in the form of goalkeeper Ivor Pandur and midfielder Daniel Neil.

Pandur has moved to Ibrox from Hull City for a reported £6m, and the 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year contract.

According to Sky Sports News, Pandur’s arrival will pave the way for Jack Butland to move in the opposite direction, with the shot-stopper said to be closing in on a £3m switch to the newly-promoted Premier League club.

As for Neil, he has joined Rangers on a free transfer, signing a three-year deal, following the expiration of his contract at Sunderland.

The 24-year-old had allegedly been in talks with Championship side Southampton, but Rangers have landed the versatile midfielder, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town.

Neil made 201 first-team appearances for Sunderland having graduated from the club's academy, and he captained the Black Cats to Premier League promotion in the 2024-25 season.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the biggest signing in the club's history as Roberto De Zerbi continues his dramatic rebuild in north London.

After already agreeing a deal for Mateus Fernandes, Spurs now look set to land Sandro Tonali in what has become a statement summer transfer window.

The latest update suggests the move is entering its final stages.

Sandro Tonali is in London for his Tottenham medical

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According to Fabrizio Romano, the Newcastle United midfielder has arrived in London alongside his family and representatives to undergo his medical ahead of completing his move to Tottenham.

Spurs have agreed a club-record package with the Magpies, believed to be worth up to £100 million, with an initial fee of £92.5 million plus a further £7.5 million in add-ons.

The agreement comes after Newcastle rejected an earlier offer worth around £80 million, but Tottenham have returned with an improved proposal to secure Roberto De Zerbi's priority midfield target.

De Zerbi has admired Tonali for several years, dating back to his time managing Sassuolo, and the Italy international is now set to become Tottenham's second record-breaking midfield signing in the space of a week following the arrival of Mateus Fernandes.

How will Spurs line up with Sandro Tonali in midfield?

© Iconsport / Mark Cosgrove/News Images/Sipa USA

Tonali's arrival gives De Zerbi the opportunity to build one of the Premier League's most technically gifted midfield units.

The Italian is expected to operate at the base of midfield, where his range of passing, defensive intelligence and ability to dictate the tempo should allow Tottenham to control games far more effectively than they have in recent seasons.

Alongside him, Fernandes offers the energy, ball-carrying ability and attacking thrust to break lines and support the forward players. On paper, the pair complement each other superbly, with Tonali providing the control and Fernandes the dynamism.

Spurs are committing close to £185 million to the duo, underlining just how determined the club are to back De Zerbi after last season's struggles.

It is an enormous investment, but if the partnership develops as many expect, Tottenham could finally have the midfield platform required to climb back towards the Premier League's top four.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali in the summer transfer window.

Spurs have been heavily linked with a move for the in-demand Italian star, with Roberto De Zerbi looking to add more quality to his midfield.

The North London club reportedly broke their transfer record a few days ago when they struck an agreement to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85m.

It has been widely reported that Spurs have been working on a separate deal for Tonali alongside Fernandes as well, and it now appears they have struck another record-breaking agreement.

Tottenham agree Sandro Tonali deal?

© Iconsport / Mark Cosgrove/News Images/Sipa USA

According to The Athletic, Spurs have reached an agreement with the Magpies in a deal that could reach £100m.

The two clubs began negotiations last month, and Tottenham have now proposed an offer that Newcastle feel is too good to turn down.

Spurs will reportedly pay an initial £92.5m for Tonali, with a further £7.5m in add-ons based on multiple Champions League qualifications.

Newcastle believe the add-ons are highly achievable and that the package will eventually reach £100m, allowing them to reinvest in the squad to strengthen multiple areas.

Busy transfer window for Tottenham

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Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July 2023 for a fee in the region of £60.5m and has since become a key player for Eddie Howe's side.

Last season, the Italian made 53 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals as the Magpies finished 12th in the Premier League.

Spurs already have Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall in their squad, but it has been widely reported that the Swedish midfielder has informed the club of his desire to move on.

Newcastle have reportedly shown interest in signing Gray and submitted an offer, but Spurs rejected it quickly.

It has already been a busy summer for Tottenham, with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi arriving on free transfers and Jan Paul van Hecke joining from Brighton & Hove Albion for £52m.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning to make a move for another West Ham player after securing an agreement for Mateus Fernandes.

After narrowly securing Premier League safety, Spurs have wasted no time in bolstering their squad this summer, with Roberto De Zerbi backed by the club to bring in players of his choice.

Deals for Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke had already been agreed, while Spurs have reportedly secured two blockbuster signings in quick succession.

Spurs have reportedly agreed an £85m deal for Fernandes, who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer.

The North London club have also secured a blockbuster £100m package deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali as De Zerbi looks to revamp the side completely.

Tottenham eye move for Crysencio Summerville?

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According to Harry Hotspur, Spurs are looking at more signings after Fernandes and Tonali, and they have set their sights on Crysencio Summerville.

The report claims that the North London club are expected to hold serious talks with the Hammers over signing their gifted winger, who is valued at around £50m.

Summerville scored one goal and provided two assists for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup, but his tournament was cut short after Ronald Koeman's side were beaten by Morocco in the Round of 32.

De Zerbi is apparently a big admirer of Summerville, mainly because of his dribbling ability and incredible work rate.

Crysencio Summerville: Should Man Utd make concrete effort?

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In recent weeks, Manchester United have emerged as a serious contender to sign Summerville during the summer transfer window.

However, with Spurs reportedly lurking, the Red Devils must show urgency and begin negotiations with West Ham if they are serious about signing the Dutchman.

Spurs are also reportedly interested in signing Como and Croatia star Martin Baturina, who is valued at £70m by the Champions League newcomers.

Newcastle United have reportedly failed in their approach to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Archie Gray in the current summer transfer window.

The Magpies could be set for a busy transfer window, with a major rebuilding job on the agenda after losing Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and seeing several other key players linked with moves away.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have submitted an offer to Tottenham for Gray, but Spurs are unwilling to sell the former Leeds United midfielder.

The 20-year-old joined Spurs from Leeds in 2024 for a fee of around £40m and has already played in multiple positions under different Tottenham managers.

Gray has made just over 80 appearances for Spurs, and it is believed that Roberto De Zerbi is impressed by the youngster's versatility and sees him as a key player for the club.

Leeds United explain Pascal Struijk transfer decision

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The Whites have sold Dutch defender Pascal Struijk to Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee of around £18m during the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old made 196 appearances for Leeds, including 34 in the Premier League last season, after joining the Yorkshire club from Ajax in January 2018.

Leeds have explained that Struijk's sale has helped the club remain compliant with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The Whites released a lengthy statement confirming that Struijk's transfer fee, along with the additional income generated from a 14th-placed Premier League finish and a run to the FA Cup semi-finals, has ensured the club remain within their PSR limits.

Brighton sold Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham earlier this summer, and Struijk is expected to come in as his natural replacement.

Bayern Munich sign Ismael Saibari

© Iconsport / Stanley Gontha, Pro Shots / Alamy

Bayern Munich have secured their first signing of the summer transfer window after confirming the arrival of Moroccan striker Ismael Saibari.

The 25-year-old joins from PSV Eindhoven and has signed a contract with Bayern until June 30, 2031.

Saibari recorded 42 goals and 29 assists in 142 competitive appearances for the Dutch outfit, enjoying a trophy-laden spell that included three Eredivisie titles, three Dutch Super Cups and two KNVB Cups.

The forward has also impressed for Morocco at the 2026 World Cup, scoring in the 1-1 draw with Brazil, the 1-0 win over Scotland and the 4-2 victory over Haiti, before converting the decisive penalty in the Round of 32 win over the Netherlands.

Bayern are also reportedly close to signing Germany full-back Nathaniel Brown, with the deal expected to be completed in the coming days.

Tottenham Hotspur are making the right decision in entrusting Antonin Kinsky ahead of Guglielmo Vicario's expected exit, a former Spurs goalkeeper has exclusively told Sports Mole.

The Lilywhites announced on Tuesday that Kinsky had signed a new contract with the club until 2031, after enjoying an unexpected renaissance in the latter stages of the campaign.

The 23-year-old's Tottenham career was ostensibly close to dead in the water after a nightmarish evening against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, where he made two errors leading to goals and was taken off in the 17th minute.

However, Kinsky took his chance in the Premier League after Vicario underwent hernia surgery, keeping crucial clean sheets against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton while pulling off a save-of-the-season contender against Leeds United.

The Czech shot-stopper started each of Tottenham's last seven Premier League games of the season as Spurs staved off relegation, and he is expected to be Roberto De Zerbi's number one moving forward.

Brad Friedel backs Antonin Kinsky to become Tottenham's number one

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Sports Mole recently spoke to ex-Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who admitted that he was not surprised at the developments and backed Kinsky to displace Vicario as the established first choice.

"Vicario hasn’t looked comfortable for a while now," Friedel said. "At the end of last season Kinsky looked comfortable in goal, made a few crucial saves and after the night in Madrid, he has bounced back really well.

"I like him. He is imposing, he has confidence, has belief in his own ability and De Zerbi it seems has given him confidence as well. So I do think he can take the number one jersey and show everyone how good a keeper he is."

Despite his strong end to the season with Tottenham, Kinsky was not nominated for the Czech Republic's World Cup 2026 squad, being cut from the final selection after being named in the preliminary team.

What is the latest on Guglielmo Vicario's Tottenham future?

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Even though Vicario recovered from his operation in time for the end of the season, De Zerbi left the 29-year-old on the bench in matches against Chelsea and Everton.

Vicario was Tottenham's undisputed number one before undergoing hernia surgery, but during the latter months of the campaign, speculation began to swirl over a return to Italy for the ex-Empoli man.

A move to Juventus is now seen as increasingly likely for Vicario, who is about to enter the final two years of his Spurs contract he signed upon his arrival in 2023, meaning that this summer is Tottenham's best chance to recoup a maximum fee.

Furthermore, Martin Dubravka's arrival on a free transfer from Burnley suggests that De Zerbi is planning for life with Kinsky as his number one, the Slovakian as his number two, and Vicario out of the picture.

The Italian has kept 29 clean sheets in 117 appearances for Tottenham, who paid £15.9m to bring him to North London three years ago.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing USA forward Folarin Balogun from Ligue 1 side Monaco.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last term, Spurs are working to significantly improve their squad to fight in the top half of the Premier League table next term.

Spurs have already splashed out £52m to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Roberto De Zerbi's side also recruited centre-back Marcos Senesi, left-back Andy Robertson and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on free transfers.

Tottenham now appear to be looking at strengthening in other positions, including a central midfielder and a striker.

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Spurs identify Balogun as top striker target

They are continuing to pursue a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, while they are in the race to sign an Arsenal academy product in their search for a new centre-forward.

According to journalist Santi Aouna, Tottenham have made Monaco's Balogun their priority striker target.

Spurs seemingly view Balogun as someone who can compete with Dominic Solanke and Richarlison for the number nine spot.

That said, it is possible that Richarlison could leave this summer, which would only strengthen Spurs' need to bring in another forward, although they face competition in their pursuit of Balogun.

Tottenham's London rivals, Chelsea, are understood to be among his potential suitors, while he is also 'appreciated' by Champions League winners PSG.

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Why is Balogun attracting significant interest?

Balogun has evidently impressed with his performances at Monaco, where he scored 19 goals in 43 competitive games last term.

In fact, he netted in eight consecutive Ligue 1 games from February 21 to April 19, helping his side secure Conference League qualification.

Balogun has since gone on to register three goal contributions in two World Cup appearances for Mauricio Pochettino's USA side.

After being rested in the USA's final group game, Balogun is set to return to the starting lineup for Thursday's Round of 32 clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The striker could drive up his asking price if he continues to perform for the World Cup co-hosts in the knockout rounds.