Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has expressed confidence as the club embarks on a highly ambitious campaign following significant investment in new players this summer. The Italian coach, speaking during Tottenham’s pre-season tour in Australia, highlighted the club’s record-breaking spending and indicated further reinforcements are likely before the transfer window closes.
Tottenham have already shattered their transfer record twice this summer, acquiring Mateus Fernandes for £85 million and signing Sandro Tonali for £100 million, marking the club’s first £100 million footballer. The club’s summer spending is reported to have reached approximately £237 million, with De Zerbi suggesting that two or three additional signings could be made. Among the targets is Manchester City winger Savinho, whom Tottenham are reported to be aiming to sign in the coming weeks. De Zerbi also alluded to ongoing negotiations for another attacking player but did not provide further details.
When questioned about whether such heavy spending increases pressure on him, De Zerbi dismissed the notion. He recounted a conversation with a London taxi driver who congratulated him on Spurs’ transfer activity. The driver, an Arsenal supporter, was reminded by De Zerbi that major Premier League clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal had long invested heavily to maintain their top positions. De Zerbi emphasized that Tottenham need to bring in top-quality players to compete at the highest level in the Premier League.
Tottenham’s pre-season preparations include a high-profile match against Chelsea at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, marking the first North London derby played outside England. The game is expected to draw a crowd of around 80,000. However, Tottenham will be without Fernandes, who is dealing with calf fatigue, and key midfielder James Maddison, who has yet to participate in pre-season following a knee injury last season. De Zerbi indicated caution regarding Maddison’s fitness, stating it is not the right time to take risks with his recovery.
Amid the influx of new talent, midfield competition at Tottenham is becoming increasingly robust. De Zerbi expressed confidence in existing players like Conor Gallagher, who is expected to assume a more advanced role in Maddison’s absence. Gallagher acknowledged the high level of competition within the squad, saying this is expected at a club with Tottenham’s ambitions and praised the newcomers not only for their footballing ability but also for their character.
With the squad undergoing significant changes, Tottenham’s management and coaching staff appear focused on building a team capable of challenging for top honors in the Premier League this season. The coming weeks may yet see further developments in the club’s transfer activity as De Zerbi looks to finalize the squad.