Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi has embraced an aggressive, almost predatory, approach to player recruitment, describing himself as a "shark" in the transfer market. This hands-on strategy is central to the club's efforts to improve its standing and performance.
De Zerbi, who arrived as the new chief executive Vinai Venkatesham leads organizational changes on behalf of the Lewis Family Trust, has become deeply involved in all aspects of the club. His proactive stance in identifying and securing targets has already resulted in significant signings, including record deals for players such as Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. He emphasizes the personal connection he builds with potential recruits, even speaking with their families to secure their commitment.
"I love working in the transfer market. It's not a pressure, it's one of the nicest parts in my work, in my job," De Zerbi stated. This enjoyment stems from taking responsibility for decisions and establishing early connections with players. He recounted speaking with Fernandes' mother and father, promising to act as a "second dad" to him in England. Similarly, he secured defender Van Hecke, who had also attracted interest from Chelsea, and beat Manchester United and Manchester City to the signings of two key midfielders.
Sources indicate that Tottenham recognized the necessity of acting with both speed and aggression in the transfer window. This approach extends to the fees, wages, and De Zerbi's direct involvement in persuading players. Following a 2-2 draw against Brighton in April, where Georginio Rutter scored a late equalizer that impacted Tottenham's survival hopes, De Zerbi messaged Van Hecke, who assisted the goal. "You wanted to push down Tottenham for Brighton when you made the assist to Rutter, now you have to come to me, you have no choice," De Zerbi revealed.
For the signing of Tonali, De Zerbi detailed texting him the day after Tottenham secured their Premier League status and subsequently meeting him at his home in Brescia. These conversations proved decisive in finalizing the deal, with club staff completing the transfer after further discussions. De Zerbi is now teasing further attacking reinforcements, with expectations of moves for two forwards, including Savinho from Manchester City.
De Zerbi defended the club's spending, arguing it is not irresponsible, particularly in light of the Lewis family's £100 million investment in June. He noted that Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool have made similar investments in recent years. The club has also seen player departures, such as Luka Vuskovic's £45 million move to Brighton. The futures of midfielder Lucas Bergvall and defender Djed Spence remain subjects of speculation. "We assessed the request of Vuskovic [to join Brighton], with Vinai, with Johan together, because I consider Tottenham's money my money," De Zerbi said. "It's like the owner is my father, I think you don't want to ask your father to lose money. Like all the big clubs, we have to sell a player at as big of a price [as possible] and we have to bring a player with a small price, we are starting for a plan of five seasons because we are building."
The club also made a strategic decision not to pursue a permanent transfer for Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, not due to his ability, but because the overall financial package was deemed unsuitable. The club's leadership, including technical director Johan Lange and director of football operations Rafi Moersen, along with performance director Dan Lewindon (who arrived from City Football Group and is tasked with improving the team's injury record), supports De Zerbi's vision. These figures, alongside the remaining senior figure from the previous regime, Lange, are working to implement a long-term plan for the club.