Per Foot Mercato, Tottenham have identified a midfield target who’s also drawing attention from major clubs across Europe.
Spurs have already brought in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi this summer, and are now pushing to finalize deals for Jan Paul van Hecke and Savinho.
Landing Van Hecke would give Roberto De Zerbi a fully overhauled backline, following Tottenham’s narrow escape from relegation in 2025-26.
With Van Hecke added to a group already including Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin, Luka Vuskovic, and Senesi, De Zerbi would have seven centre-back options — meaning an exit looks likely. Romero seems the most probable to leave given recent speculation, while Brighton have also bid for Vuskovic, who reportedly wants the move, putting the decision in the hands of Spurs’ board.
The club are also focused on strengthening their attacking and midfield options, particularly after Randal Kolo Muani’s loan spell ended with a return to PSG.
Spurs Also Tracking Ayyoub Bouaddi
Foot Mercato reports that Liverpool have shown strong interest in Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, going as far as sending staff to New York to watch the 18-year-old in action for Morocco against Brazil in their World Cup group opener on Saturday.
However, the outlet notes that Tottenham are among several other European clubs also keeping tabs on the young midfielder.
Despite reasonable depth in the centre of midfield, Spurs have seen Yves Bissouma leave on a free transfer this summer. Fabrizio Romano adds that Tottenham are pushing for a permanent deal for Bayern’s João Palhinha, with the player reportedly keen on a move to N17 due to his existing relationship with De Zerbi, despite Sporting Lisbon’s interest.
Why Bouaddi Would Be a Major Coup
Tottenham already have promising midfield talent in Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, but landing Bouaddi would represent a serious statement signing.
The teenager shone in Saturday’s 1-1 draw, getting the better of Brazil’s Casemiro and displaying a wide skill set. One pundit described him as a future star in the making, citing his physical presence, calmness, tactical awareness, and athletic ability. Another suggested he could develop into one of the world’s elite defensive midfielders, drawing comparisons to Arsenal’s Declan Rice for his ability to judge when to push forward, sit, or press.
Bouaddi would be a fantastic addition for Spurs, though they’d be up against considerable competition from rival clubs chasing the same talent.
