Pre-season training is underway at Tottenham, with manager Roberto De Zerbi guiding the first wave of players through fitness testing as the club prepares for the upcoming season. The team is scheduled to embark on a tour to New Zealand and Australia, with matches against Auckland, Sydney FC, and Chelsea. Additional home fixtures against Getafe and Hoffenheim are also planned.
Many first-team players enjoyed an extended summer break, having not participated in recent international tournaments. Players like Antonin Kinsky, Archie Gray, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies, Mathys Tel, James Maddison, Conor Gallagher, Richarlison, and Dominic Solanke were among those who did not feature in recent international competitions. This break has allowed De Zerbi to integrate new signings and returning loanees as he formulates his squad for the opening day fixture against Brentford.
Despite early transfer activity, Tottenham continues to assess its squad, with sporting director Johan Lange and director of football operations Carlos Raphael Moersen, alongside De Zerbi, identifying key areas for reinforcement. The club is actively seeking a left winger and an upgrade at center forward. Manchester City's Savinho is a primary target, and reports also link Tottenham with Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi and Liverpool's Cody Gakpo. Any forward moves are contingent on selling clubs securing replacements.
Player Departures and Financial Considerations
Financial health and team morale are seen as crucial, with potential player sales being a priority. Guglielmo Vicario and Cristian Romero are reportedly open to leaving if suitable offers are received. Juventus has expressed interest in Vicario, particularly if their pursuit of Aston Villa's Emi Martinez proves unsuccessful. Juventus has also been linked with Richarlison, though the player appears settled in London and has recently passed his UK citizenship test.
Djed Spence's future also remains uncertain. While his pace and versatility are noted, De Zerbi's preference for possession-based play might lead to the player seeking opportunities elsewhere. Inter Milan has reportedly identified Spence as a prime target for their right-back position. A sale would align with Tottenham's strategy of clearing the squad, potentially enabling the acquisition of a full-back with a different profile.
Academy Pathways Under Scrutiny
The club's recruitment drive has also raised questions about development pathways for academy players. Luka Vuskovic has joined Brighton due to limited first-team prospects, and Lucas Bergvall has expressed a desire to leave amid interest from Nottingham Forest. Reports suggest a significant transfer fee could be negotiated for Bergvall. Archie Gray, another promising talent, is attracting attention from clubs like Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Newcastle.
Young forward Mikey Moore, who has impressed on loan at Rangers, is reportedly considering his options. Despite being a homegrown talent with a long-term contract, the potential signing of new wingers could further limit his first-team opportunities. The club is also facing departures of promising youngsters, such as Elijah Upson, who has opted to join Arsenal. This trend raises concerns about the message being sent to aspiring players within the academy.
Attacking Reinforcements and Injury Concerns
Tottenham is still seeking reinforcements in attacking positions. Manager De Zerbi is notably short of dynamic wingers capable of beating defenders. While Mohamed Kudus has returned to training following a thigh injury, Dejan Kulusevski and other forwards like Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons are still recovering from long-term injuries. Mathys Tel has shown flashes of potential, but the collective goal output from forwards such as Tel, Solanke, Richarlison, and Kolo Muani was limited last season. The club is focused on increasing its goal threat from the forward line.
In addition to player recruitment, De Zerbi has continued to strengthen his backroom staff, adding sports science and fitness expert Agostino Tibaudi to his team. Tibaudi previously worked with De Zerbi at Sassuolo, Shakhtar Donetsk, Brighton, and Marseille.