Tottenham
De Zerbi saved Spurs – now what? Inside Tottenham’s summer rebuild plans and transfer targets
Last Updated on 30 May 2026
When Roberto De Zerbi arrived at Tottenham in late March, he inherited a club in complete chaos.
Spurs were one point above the relegation zone, winless in 2026, low on confidence, and drifting toward their first relegation since 1977. Seven matches later, survival was secured.
But according to De Zerbi himself, avoiding disaster was only the beginning.
Within hours of João Palhinha scoring the goal that secured Premier League safety against Everton, the Italian was already outlining his vision for Tottenham’s future and warning the board that massive changes are needed this summer.
“We suffered too much” — De Zerbi sends clear message
Speaking after survival was confirmed, De Zerbi did not hold back.
“From tonight, we need to build the new team. We have 10, 11, 12 players who are good enough to stay as players and people. Now we need to complete the squad with the first level of players because I suffered too much.”
That statement tells us everything about Tottenham’s transfer strategy.
This is not a total rebuild. Instead, De Zerbi has identified a trusted core of players he believes can fit his philosophy. The problem is the depth, mentality, and balance around them.
And now Spurs are preparing for one of the biggest summers in the club’s modern history.
Also Read: Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham salary: the £15m deal, survival bonus and relegation clause explained
Tottenham players leaving this summer
Several exits are already expected at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Veteran defender Ben Davies and midfielder Yves Bissouma are both set to leave when their contracts expire, with no breakthrough in extension talks.
Loan stars Randal Kolo Muani and Palhinha will also return to parent clubs Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich respectively.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the expected departure of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Despite being one of Spurs’ most reliable performers over the last two seasons, reports suggest the Italian has already agreed personal terms over a move away, with Inter Milan heavily linked.
De Zerbi appears determined to reshape the position entirely in his own style.
De Zerbi planning Brighton transfer raid
The biggest storyline emerging from north London is De Zerbi’s reported attempt to reunite with several of his former Brighton & Hove Albion players.
According to the Independent, Spurs are targeting:
- Carlos Baleba
- Jan Paul van Hecke
- Bart Verbruggen
It makes perfect tactical sense.
Verbruggen would become De Zerbi’s ideal ball-playing goalkeeper. Van Hecke offers composure and aggression in possession, while Baleba would bring athleticism and intensity to a midfield that has looked physically overwhelmed for much of the season.
The problem for Tottenham is competition.
Manchester United remain strongly interested in Baleba, and Spurs’ lack of European football next season could become a major obstacle in negotiations.
Still, De Zerbi’s relationship with the players could prove decisive.
Savinho could become Tottenham’s record signing
One of the most explosive transfer rumours involves Savinho.
Tottenham are believed to have reopened talks with Manchester City over a move for the Brazilian winger, with reports suggesting the player is open to joining even without European football.
If completed, the transfer would reportedly break Tottenham’s all-time transfer record, surpassing the fee paid for Dominic Solanke.
Savinho fits exactly the kind of profile De Zerbi loves: direct, fearless in one-v-one situations, technically gifted, and capable of stretching defensive lines.
After a season where Spurs often lacked creativity and unpredictability in wide areas, the Brazilian could become the face of De Zerbi’s new era.
Heorhiy Sudakov talks gather pace
Another intriguing name on Tottenham’s radar is Heorhiy Sudakov.
The highly rated midfielder has emerged as one of Europe’s most technically gifted young creators, and Spurs are reportedly accelerating talks after his representatives travelled to London this week.
A deal worth around €20 million is being discussed, a figure many observers view as excellent value considering Sudakov’s potential ceiling.
For De Zerbi’s possession-heavy system, Sudakov looks almost tailor-made.
His ability to receive under pressure, progress the ball through midfield, and create chances between the lines would add a completely new dimension to Tottenham’s attack.
John Stones and Andy Robertson targeted for leadership role
Beyond technical quality, De Zerbi is also searching for experience and leadership.
That has led Tottenham toward John Stones and Andy Robertson.
The former Manchester City defender is reportedly viewed internally as the ideal dressing-room figure to help establish standards during the rebuild.
Meanwhile, they have all but secured the signing of Andy Robertson, who left Liverpool a free agent at the end of the season.
Spurs are also strongly linked with Marcos Senesi as another defensive option, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the North London club have deals secured for both Robertson and Senesi.
The Bournemouth centre-back’s aggressive style and comfort on the ball make him another logical fit for De Zerbi’s tactical setup.
De Zerbi has been given rare Tottenham power
Perhaps the most important development is happening behind the scenes.
Unlike previous Tottenham managers, De Zerbi has reportedly been handed significant authority over football operations and recruitment strategy.
The Italian is not simply acting as a head coach.
Instead, Spurs appear to be building the club around his philosophy — giving him the kind of long-term control rarely seen at Tottenham during the ENIC era.
That makes this summer absolutely critical.
If the board fully backs De Zerbi in the market, Tottenham could become one of the Premier League’s most fascinating projects by August.
But if investment falls short, the pressure and instability that nearly dragged Spurs into relegation trouble this year could quickly return.
One thing is already certain: De Zerbi survived the crisis.
Now he wants to rebuild Tottenham completely in his own image.
Tottenham appointed Roberto De Zerbi to save the club from relegation and lead a long-term rebuild focused on attacking football and squad development.
Ben Davies, Yves Bissouma, Randal Kolo Muani, Joao Palhinha and Guglielmo Vicario are among the players expected to leave Tottenham.
Carlos Baleba, Bart Verbruggen, Jan Paul van Hecke, Savinho, Heorhiy Sudakov and John Stones have all been linked with Tottenham.
Yes. Reports suggest any deal for Savinho would surpass the previous club-record fee paid for Dominic Solanke.
