Tottenham needed a strong start to the summer window, and by most measures they have delivered one. Just a fortnight after fans were exhaling with relief at Premier League survival rather than celebrating anything meaningful, Spurs have moved decisively in the market.
The mood around the club was subdued after two consecutive 17th-place finishes, yet Tottenham still carries considerable pulling power. The stadium remains among the finest in English football, and the allure of London living is a genuine factor in recruitment conversations. Had relegation been confirmed, the summer story would look very different — but it wasn’t, and Spurs have wasted little time capitalising.
Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi have already been secured. Robertson arrives from Liverpool as one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever left-backs, while Senesi comes in as one of the division’s more reliable centre-backs. Two quality additions, and there is clearly more to follow.
Spurs Targeting More Deals This Week
The next names on the list are Savinho and Jan Paul van Hecke. Manchester City’s Brazilian winger came close to joining Spurs last summer and is now reportedly pushing hard for the move, with a deal potentially worth around £50 million. The chances of it happening this time around are considerably higher than they were twelve months ago.
Van Hecke is the other major target, with De Zerbi also casting an eye over Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba. After an initial bid for the Dutch defender was knocked back, momentum has since picked up sharply. Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof reported late Sunday that personal terms have now been agreed, with an insider describing the deal as being in its “final stages.” Van Hecke is said to want everything wrapped up before the World Cup kicks off — and Spurs are reportedly preparing an offer in the region of £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
Why Van Hecke Is The More Important Signing
Savinho’s arrival would certainly inject energy into a Tottenham attack that badly lost its way last season. The flanks were a glaring weakness — worsened by the January sale of Brennan Johnson and a serious injury to Mohammed Kudus shortly after. The Brazilian winger could go some way to addressing that, but it is worth noting he managed only one goal last season, which raises questions about where the money is best spent.
The more pressing issue is the defence. Only the three relegated clubs conceded more Premier League goals than Tottenham in 2025-26. Robertson and Senesi address part of that problem, but Van Hecke would be the statement signing — the kind of transformational centre-back acquisition that can shift a club’s entire trajectory.
The Virgil van Dijk comparison is instructive here. When Van Dijk joined from Southampton for £75 million, the fee felt steep. He went on to become arguably the finest defender the league has seen. Van Hecke may not reach those heights, but it provides useful context — paying around £50 million for a player of his profile is far from unreasonable.
Tottenham’s defensive record over recent seasons has been dire, and with Cristian Romero also likely to leave, the need for a commanding centre-back is urgent. Van Hecke fits the bill on multiple levels. He wins aerial duels at a rate placing him in the top 8% of comparable defenders across Europe, but he is far more than a physical presence. His ability to drive play forward is genuinely elite — ranking in the top 1% for both progressive carries and progressive passes per 90 minutes among positionally similar players.
Savinho is a useful signing, but he is not a dramatic upgrade on what Spurs already have or have recently lost. Van Hecke, on the other hand, could be the cornerstone of something much better. He is the priority — and judging by how hard Tottenham are pushing to get the deal done, it seems De Zerbi knows it too.
