With the Premier League season on the horizon, Tottenham Hotspur faces a critical juncture. Following two consecutive 17th-place finishes and a near-relegation battle last term, the club’s hierarchy has signaled a significant shift in ambition this summer, injecting substantial funds into the squad. To date, the club has reportedly invested approximately £237 million in new talent. Among the notable acquisitions are Jan Paul van Hecke, signed from Brighton for £52 million, and Mateus Fernandes, acquired from the relegated West Ham for a reported £85 million. This latter fee briefly stood as a club record before being surpassed by the acquisition of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for a total of £100 million. The club has also strategically utilized the free agent market, bringing in Andy Robertson from Liverpool, Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth, and Martin Dubravka from Burnley without transfer fees.
Transforming Spurs into a Contender
Despite these significant investments, the potential for further strengthening remains. The addition of just two more high-profile signings could dramatically transform Tottenham from a team narrowly avoiding relegation into a formidable force in the league. This analysis explores how manager Roberto De Zerbi’s starting XI might look with two ambitious new additions, aiming to create a squad that can genuinely compete.
Targeting a World-Class Striker
While Dominic Solanke remains a capable option, the pursuit of a truly statement signing in the striker position could elevate Tottenham’s attacking threat significantly. Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray has been mentioned as a potential target, with reports suggesting a valuation around £55 million. While this figure is substantial, it pales in comparison to some of the club’s other recent expenditures. Osimhen’s wage demands could present a hurdle, and acquiring such a high-profile player inherently carries risks. However, his presence would undoubtedly generate considerable excitement and draw large crowds to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Since the departure of Harry Kane, there has been a palpable demand from the fanbase for a star center-forward. Osimhen, a 27-year-old Nigerian international, could fill that void, offering a dynamic new dimension to De Zerbi’s frontline. Although a summer deal is currently considered unlikely, any acceleration in negotiations could see him become a transformative signing for the North London club.
Adding Flair and Depth on the Wing
Another potential game-changer for Tottenham could be the acquisition of Savinho, Manchester City’s Brazilian winger. The club has reportedly shown interest in the 22-year-old since January. While his statistics of five goals and 21 assists in 82 appearances might not immediately leap off the page, with consistent playing time and De Zerbi’s guidance, Savinho possesses the potential to flourish in North London. The expected transfer fee for Savinho is reportedly between £65 million and £85 million. This might seem steep, but it addresses a clear need for a dynamic left-sided player and provides cover for Mohammed Kudus on the right flank.
De Zerbi’s Potential Starting XI
If these two ambitious signings were to materialize, Roberto De Zerbi could field a potent starting lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Antonin Kinsky has earned the starting position after strong performances late last season. Martin Dubravka provides experienced cover, having shown capability in pre-season matches.
- Defense: World Cup winner Pedro Porro is set to start at right-back, with Djed Spence’s future at the club uncertain and a move to Inter Milan reportedly on the cards. The central defensive pairing would likely feature new signing Jan Paul van Hecke alongside the established Micky van de Ven. Destiny Udogie continues at left-back, with Andy Robertson offering a reliable alternative.
- Midfield: The midfield anchor roles would be filled by the new signings Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. Their presence is expected to bring much-needed solidity to an area that has been a point of concern for Tottenham in recent seasons.
- Attacking Midfield/No. 10: The role behind the striker presents an interesting selection dilemma. If fit, James Maddison would likely be the first choice. Xavi Simons is also a strong contender for this position. In their absence, Conor Gallagher has been utilized in this role during pre-season training.
- Forwards: The attacking trident, should the new signings arrive, would consist of Savinho on the left, Victor Osimhen as the central striker, and Mohammed Kudus on the right.
Bench Strength and Future Prospects
The depth provided by the existing squad and other potential signings is also noteworthy. Players like Mathys Tel, Dejan Kulusevski, and Wilson Odobert would offer exceptional options from the bench once they regain full fitness, providing further attacking impetus and tactical flexibility.
The potential starting XI, incorporating these hypothetical signings, would look like this: Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie; Fernandes, Tonali, Maddison; Kudus, Osimhen, Savinho. This lineup suggests a significant upgrade in quality and ambition, positioning Tottenham as a team capable of challenging for top honors in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Conclusion
The summer transfer window presents Tottenham Hotspur with a clear opportunity to reshape their squad and re-establish themselves as a major force in English football. By strategically targeting and acquiring players like Victor Osimhen and Savinho, alongside their existing substantial investments, Roberto De Zerbi could assemble a truly formidable starting XI. This approach, backed by significant financial commitment, signals a clear intent to move beyond recent struggles and compete at the highest level, potentially transforming the club’s fortunes for the upcoming season and beyond.
