Tottenham's fight for Premier League survival may only just be over, but planning for next season already appears well underway.
Roberto De Zerbi wasted little time outlining the scale of the task ahead after preserving Spurs' top-flight status. The Italian admitted after the final-day win over Everton that only around 11 or 12 players currently fit his long-term plans, while club officials have also publicly discussed rebuilding across several transfer windows.
That combination strongly suggests Tottenham could become one of the busiest clubs of the summer.
Tottenham predicted lineup next season under Roberto De Zerbi
Transfer speculation around Spurs has intensified quickly, with several names repeatedly linked as De Zerbi looks for greater experience, stronger leadership and improved balance throughout the squad.
If current reports become reality, Tottenham's opening-day side could look significantly different.
Potential Tottenham XI (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: James Trafford
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Marcos Senesi, Micky van de Ven, Andy Robertson
Midfielders: Rodrigo Bentancur, Joao Palhinha, James Maddison
Forwards: Savinho, Dominic Solanke, Mathys Tel
On paper, it represents a side carrying more experience while maintaining technical quality and athleticism.
Why these changes make sense
Goalkeeper appears among the biggest questions heading into the summer.
Guglielmo Vicario has repeatedly been linked with a return to Italy, while Antonin Kinsky’s strong finish to the season created a more complicated discussion internally. However, Tottenham’s long-standing admiration for James Trafford continues to surface.
The defensive picture may be equally important.
Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson would bring substantial Premier League experience and leadership qualities that appeared lacking during large parts of Tottenham’s campaign.
Having followed Tottenham closely through recent months, the lack of organisation and composure during difficult moments repeatedly emerged as one of the side’s biggest issues.
Palhinha’s situation also feels significant.
The midfielder’s impact during the survival run strengthened De Zerbi’s public stance, with the manager already making clear he wants the move made permanent.
“100 per cent” — Roberto De Zerbi, on wanting Joao Palhinha permanently
Attack may need evolution rather than revolution
Tottenham struggled badly in attacking areas for long periods of the season, although injuries played a major role.
Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert are all expected back next season, meaning De Zerbi may prefer targeted additions rather than wholesale changes.
Savinho continues to attract attention because of his profile.
| Area of need | Potential solution |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | James Trafford |
| Defensive leadership | Robertson / Senesi |
| Midfield balance | Joao Palhinha |
| Wide creativity | Savinho |
source: transfer links and club reports – May 2026
The names fit recurring themes rather than isolated opportunities.
Key points
- Roberto De Zerbi wants major squad changes
- Tottenham expect a busy transfer window
- Joao Palhinha is a priority target
- Defensive experience appears a major focus
- Savinho remains strongly linked
What's next
Tottenham now enter arguably their most important summer in years.
Recruitment decisions over the next few months could determine whether survival becomes the beginning of recovery or merely delays deeper problems. De Zerbi has already signalled his intentions, but turning those ideas into completed deals will define the next phase.
Based on recent transfer windows we've covered, clubs rebuilding after survival battles rarely solve every issue immediately.
Which signing should be Tottenham's biggest priority this summer: goalkeeper, defender or creative attacker?
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