Tottenham target Sandro Tonali as Roberto De Zerbi plans major rebuild
Tottenham Hotspur are targeting up to eight new signings this summer, including Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to rebuild the squad after narrowly avoiding Premier League relegation.
Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and non-executive chairman Peter Charrington have promised a comprehensive overhaul following a disastrous campaign.
The North London club flirted dangerously with the drop zone last season before top-flight survival was ultimately secured.
“Never again.”
That was the firm promise made by the club’s hierarchy following a deeply disappointing January transfer window and a subsequent injury crisis.
Early business indicates new ambition
The Italian tactician has already begun reshaping his playing staff ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Central defender Jan Paul van Hecke has arrived from Brighton in a deal worth £52m.
The Dutch international previously worked under the 47-year-old on the South Coast and specifically requested the move to the capital.
Securing primary targets early represents a significant shift in strategy for the Lilywhites.
Backing the manager
Previous club regimes often delayed their transfer business until the end of the window to negotiate lower fees.
However, sporting director Johan Lange is now moving decisively to ensure new arrivals have a full pre-season to integrate.
Experienced full-back Andy Robertson and defender Marcos Senesi agreed terms months ago on the strict condition of top-flight survival.
The club’s recruitment focus has now shifted towards midfield reinforcements, with Sandro Tonali emerging as a primary target.
Targeting a return to the upper echelons
The former Shakhtar Donetsk boss is taking an unusually hands-on approach to recruitment this summer.
His personal influence has been cited as a crucial factor in convincing highly-rated talent to commit their futures to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Quick integration of these potential new faces could be the catalyst required to propel the team away from the relegation places and back towards European qualification.
