It was a close-run thing. Joao Palhinha’s goal against Everton on the final day of the 2025/26 Premier League season ensured Tottenham Hotspur would not be heading to the Championship — but finishing 17th was hardly the platform Roberto De Zerbi had envisaged when he took charge. The Italian head coach spent much of the campaign navigating a relegation battle, and his squad bore the hallmarks of chronic underinvestment.
What followed has been a summer like few others in N17. With their top-flight status secured, Tottenham have moved with extraordinary speed and ambition in the transfer market, smashing their own club record twice in the space of a week and fundamentally reshaping the squad De Zerbi will deploy in 2026/27.
The Record-Breaking Midfield Overhaul
Sandro Tonali — £100m from Newcastle United
The headline acquisition is Sandro Tonali, who arrived from Newcastle United on 6 July for a club-record fee of £100m. The 26-year-old Italy international — who made 110 appearances for the Magpies and played an integral role in their 2025 Carabao Cup triumph — is widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League.
The connection between manager and player runs deep. De Zerbi grew up in Brescia, the club where Tonali made his professional breakthrough, and the reunion was clearly long anticipated.
“I spoke to the Head Coach for close to two hours about the Club, the fans, the stadium and our football,” Tonali said. “It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham.”
De Zerbi was equally effusive: “I have followed him for a long time, as he came through the youth system at my hometown club, Brescia, and I’m so happy to be working with him now.”
Mateus Fernandes — £85m from West Ham United
Hot on the heels of the Tonali announcement came Mateus Fernandes, signed from relegated West Ham United for £85m — itself a new club record at the time. The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder is considered one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
Fernandes spent 2024/25 with Southampton — winning their Player of the Season award — before joining the Hammers, where he remained outstanding even as the club slid towards relegation. He finished joint-fifth in the Premier League for tackles (103) and contributed three goals and four assists.
De Zerbi was clear about what he sees in the youngster: “He is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.”
Defensive Reinforcements Across the Board
Beyond the midfield, Tottenham have overhauled their backline with a combination of significant investment and astute free transfers. Jan-Paul van Hecke (£52m) arrives from Brighton to reunite with De Zerbi after their time together at the Amex — a deal that took three bids to complete but which represents a significant coup for Spurs. The Dutch centre-back, 26, is considered one of the best ball-playing defenders in the country.
Argentine centre-back Marcos Senesi joins on a free transfer after four distinguished seasons at Bournemouth (128 appearances), while experienced left-back Andy Robertson arrives on a free following the expiry of his Liverpool contract. The Scotland captain, 32, brings vital leadership and silverware experience to a dressing room in need of both. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, released by Burnley, adds competitive depth between the sticks.
The Exit Door and Net Spend
Tottenham’s gross spend of approximately £237m has been partially offset by departures. Teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic — highly regarded but yet to make a competitive debut — has been sold to Brighton for £46m. Midfielder Yves Bissouma was released after four years at the club, and Radu Dragusin has moved to Fiorentina on loan. The net spend currently stands at around -£191m.
Work Still to Be Done
Despite the significant activity, De Zerbi is not finished. Manchester City winger Savinho is reported to be a top priority, while Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) and Santiago Gimenez (AC Milan) have also been linked as attacking reinforcements. Defender Cristian Romero’s future remains uncertain amid reported interest from Manchester United.
Tottenham are far from alone in their ambitions this summer. Arsenal have been similarly active, Manchester United are reshaping under Michael Carrick, and Liverpool have invested heavily at Anfield. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s transformation under Xabi Alonso continues to generate its own headlines.
For Tottenham, though, this summer feels qualitatively different. After years of drift and a near-calamitous season, the club is investing with genuine purpose behind a clear footballing identity. Whether De Zerbi’s vision translates into results remains the question — but in a summer defined by intent, Spurs have made a very loud statement indeed.
