Tottenham Hotspur are actively scouting a range of Premier League transfer targets as they aim to recover from a challenging season. The club narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship, with a crucial victory over Everton on the final day of the season ensuring their place in the top flight.
Despite avoiding disaster, finishing 17th for the second consecutive season is a disappointing result for a club of Tottenham’s stature. Manager Roberto De Zerbi, who joined on the final day of March, played a vital role in keeping the north London side in the Premier League. He now envisions a significantly different squad by the start of next season, with new signings and some players leaving the club.
After the 1-0 win over Everton, De Zerbi stated: “We have 10, 11, 12 players who are good enough to stay – good enough as players and especially people.”
Reports suggest that De Zerbi is targeting his former club Brighton for potential signings. The Italian manager is interested in midfielder Carlos Baleba, defender Jan Paul van Hecke, and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as part of his rebuilding efforts. However, securing all three seems unlikely, especially considering Baleba was valued at around £100m when Manchester United showed interest last summer.
Tottenham has also identified other targets, including Manchester City and England goalkeeper James Trafford, who is currently the second-choice keeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad. The Daily Mail reports that the club is also looking at Leeds United’s Karl Darlow as an alternative.
Tottenham has long been linked with signing Liverpool hero Andy Robertson, who is set to leave Anfield at the end of his contract. The 32-year-old Scot is expected to move to Spurs after the club avoided relegation, with the player bidding farewell to the Reds on Sunday after nine years at the club.
The search for new players continues, with two more Manchester City stars reportedly on Tottenham’s shopping list alongside Trafford.
According to the Mail, Tottenham remains interested in winger Savinho, having attempted to sign him last summer but failing. The Independent claims that the club is also looking at John Stones, who is available on a free transfer after leaving City at the end of his contract.
Strengthening the centre-back position is a priority for De Zerbi, as Tottenham is also among the front-runners to sign Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi. The 29-year-old has been a consistent performer this season for the Cherries and is expected to make the move to north London.
In terms of departures, several high-profile players are set to leave this summer, either on free transfers, at the end of loan deals, or through sales. Yves Bissouma and Ben Davies are both out of contract, with extensions unlikely. Joao Palhinha, who was on loan this season, is likely to stay after his short-term move from Bayern Munich, while Randal Kolo Muani does not seem to have a future at the club.
Captain Cristian Romero is expected to be sold, with Atletico Madrid showing long-term interest. Goalkeeper Gugliemo Vicario is also anticipated to depart.
