Tottenham have adopted a noticeably fresh approach to transfer business this summer after a season that pushed them to the brink of relegation from the Premier League.
What many had hoped would be a new era following Daniel Levy’s exit instead unravelled into a desperate fight for survival. Spurs cycled through Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor in the dugout before Roberto De Zerbi eventually steadied the ship, guiding them to a 17th-place finish and preserving their top-flight status by the narrowest of margins.
With the threat of relegation now behind them, Tottenham have moved swiftly to rebuild. Jan Paul van Hecke has arrived from Brighton for £52 million, while Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi have both joined on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively. A fourth signing is also said to be close, with the club understood to be targeting a backup goalkeeper.
Jamie Carragher has taken notice, praising Spurs on Sky Sports for their early and decisive movement in the market. The former Liverpool defender believes De Zerbi’s fingerprints are all over the club’s new recruitment philosophy.
“I like what Spurs are doing and I like what De Zerbi is doing,” Carragher said. “For years Tottenham had a reputation for leaving transfer business until the final stages of the window while trying to secure the best possible deal under Daniel Levy. Things haven’t gone smoothly since Levy left, so there’s pressure on the club. De Zerbi has done a really good job and probably has more influence now than he ever will unless he wins a major trophy. He seems to have made it clear that he wants new signings brought in early, likely so they can be fully integrated during pre-season.”
Tottenham’s midfield rebuild is also gathering pace, with Sandro Tonali of Newcastle and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes both heavily linked with moves to the club. Should Spurs land all of their primary targets, reports suggest their total outlay this summer could climb to around £225 million — potentially making it one of the most ambitious transfer windows in the club’s history.
Carragher also weighed in on the Tonali speculation, making clear his admiration for the Italian.
“Tonali is a midfielder I rate very highly,” he said. “He’s got pace, power and plenty of quality in midfield. Last season wasn’t his strongest, but it’s difficult for any player to shine when the team around them isn’t performing well. He’s actually someone I thought could have improved Liverpool’s midfield as well.”
On Newcastle’s position, Carragher suggested the current cycle at St James’ Park may be drawing to a close, with the club’s absence from European football next season potentially opening the door for key departures.
“Newcastle have built an excellent side under Eddie Howe, winning the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League twice,” he added. “But it feels like that current cycle may be coming to an end. Without European football next season, some players may be tempted by new opportunities — and Newcastle could look to maximise their value, as they’ve already done with Anthony Gordon and now potentially with Tonali.”
