Tottenham 2026-27 Season Preview - Huge Investment as De Zerbi Leads Rebuild

John Eastwood

Editor

Last updated: 2 hours ago

John Eastwood 2 hours ago

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Tottenham finished 17th in the Premier League for the second straight season.
Heavy summer investment and new manager De Zerbi signal top-six ambitions.
Spurs target more attacking signings before the window closes.

Sandro Tonali is a big-name addition to Spurs in central midfield (Getty Images).

Last Season’s Summary

Tottenham endured another hugely disappointing 2025/26 campaign, finishing 17th in the Premier League after a season of almost constant upheaval.
Last Season’s Summary
Tottenham Coaching Situation
Key Transfers In
Key Transfers Out
Three Key Players
Main Areas for Improvement
Upcoming Tottenham Transfer Activity
Overall Season Expectations - Tottenham

The club went through three different managers, with Thomas Frank dismissed in February before Igor Tudor was appointed on a short-term basis. Tudor lasted just 44 days before leaving, with Roberto De Zerbi eventually taking charge in March.

Spurs also exited both domestic cups early, but the summer has brought significant investment and a new manager with a clear footballing philosophy. De Zerbi has to turn an expensively assembled squad into a team capable of competing near the top of the Premier League.

Tottenham Coaching Situation

Roberto De Zerbi enters his first full season as Tottenham manager after taking over from Igor Tudor towards the end of last season. The Italian previously enjoyed major success with Brighton, establishing them as one of the Premier League's most progressive teams before leaving in 2024.

His possession-based football and emphasis on playing out from the back make him a very different appointment from the more pragmatic managers who preceded him.

De Zerbi has already been heavily backed in the transfer market, with Tottenham spending more than £200 million on major additions including Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Key Transfers In

Tottenham have invested heavily, with Sandro Tonali arriving from Newcastle for around £100 million to become one of the most expensive signings in the club's history. His energy, technical quality and experience should transform a midfield that lacked control last season.

Mateus Fernandes has also joined from relegated West Ham for around £85 million, giving De Zerbi another progressive midfielder capable of carrying the ball and creating chances from deeper positions. Jan Paul van Hecke strengthens the centre of defence after arriving from Brighton for around £52 million.

Andy Robertson has arrived on a free transfer from Liverpool, providing huge experience at left-back, while Marcos Senesi has also joined to add further defensive depth.

Key Transfers Out

Tottenham have also allowed several important players to leave as De Zerbi reshapes the squad. Cristian Romero has joined Atlético Madrid, while Luka Vušković has moved to Brighton in a deal reported at around £46 million plus add-ons.

Djed Spence has also departed for Inter Milan. The loss of Romero should remove a distraction and an ill-disciplined player from the squad. Micky van de Ven takes over as captain.

Three Key Players

Sandro Tonali: He could be crucial in midfield after arriving from Newcastle for a club-record fee. He may play a bit deeper than at Newcastle

Micky van de Ven: The speedy Dutchman will be the leader of the defence. He needs to perform more consistently and steer clear of injuries.

Pedro Porro: The Spanish right back had a superb World Cup. He part of the new leadership group and without Djed Spence, he will need to perform more consistently than in the past.

Main Areas for Improvement

Tottenham's biggest priority is consistency after two consecutive 17th-place finishes. The defensive organisation must improve significantly, particularly after Romero's departure and a season in which injuries repeatedly disrupted the back line.

The midfield has been heavily strengthened, but De Zerbi must quickly establish the right balance. Tonali and Fernandes provide greater technical quality and energy, while the team's structure without the ball remains an important question.

The attack is arguably the biggest area that still needs work. Spurs lacked goals and creativity last season, and De Zerbi has made it clear that further attacking additions are required. The club are now pursuing Manchester City's Savinho and Omar Marmoush in a potentially huge double deal.

Upcoming Tottenham Transfer Activity

Tottenham's transfer business is definitely not finished because De Zerbi still wants more attacking quality before the window closes. The club have already spent around £230 million this summer, but further investment is expected.

The biggest developments are the talks with Manchester City over Savinho and Omar Marmoush. Tottenham are in advanced discussions over a potential double deal, although neither transfer has been completed yet. City are open to selling both players for the right price.

Tottenham have also been linked with Cody Gakpo as they search for another forward, although the situation remains fluid with Liverpool. With the Premier League transfer deadline approaching on September 1st, Spurs still have time to make what could be two enormous additions.

Overall Season Expectations - Tottenham

Tottenham should be targeting a significant improvement after finishing 17th in each of the last two Premier League seasons. The summer investment, combined with De Zerbi's arrival, means another relegation battle would be completely unacceptable.

A top-six finish should be viewed as an ambitious but realistic target, while a return to the Champions League would represent an extraordinary turnaround. The domestic cups also provide De Zerbi with an opportunity to win a trophy during his first full season.

Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.