Tottenham Hotspur are finally beginning to see light at the end of what has been one of the darkest seasons in the club’s recent history. After months spent battling near the bottom of the Premier League table, Spurs now know that just one point from their final two matches will almost certainly guarantee survival and keep them in the top flight for another season.
West Ham United’s defeat to Newcastle United handed Tottenham a huge advantage in the relegation battle. That result means Roberto De Zerbi’s side now controls its own destiny heading into a massive clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. A victory would officially send West Ham down, while even a draw would likely be enough to secure safety because Tottenham’s goal difference is far superior.
For supporters, it has been a painful campaign filled with disappointment, frustration, and constant uncertainty. Tottenham were once seen as a regular top-four contender in English football, but back-to-back seasons fighting relegation have damaged the club’s reputation badly. The pressure on everyone connected to Spurs has been enormous.
However, the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi has started to slowly change the mood around the club.
The Italian coach inherited a broken squad low on confidence and struggling in almost every area of the pitch. Yet despite the difficult situation, there are signs that De Zerbi is already building something different in North London. His tactical ideas, emotional leadership, and demanding standards appear to have re-energised the players during the final weeks of the season.
If Tottenham secure survival, attention will immediately shift towards a huge summer rebuild.
De Zerbi is expected to make major changes to the squad as he attempts to prevent another disastrous season in 2026/27. Several players could leave, while new signings are already being lined up to strengthen key areas of the team.
Reports suggest agreements are already in place for experienced defenders Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi to join the club. Both players would add leadership, quality, and stability to a Tottenham defence that has looked vulnerable for most of the campaign.
Those potential arrivals are important, but perhaps Tottenham’s biggest piece of business this summer may not involve signing a new player at all.
Instead, it could involve convincing Micky van de Ven to commit his long-term future to the club.
The Dutch defender has endured a difficult season alongside many of his teammates. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and the chaos surrounding the club have affected his form badly. Earlier in the campaign, there were growing fears that Van de Ven could look for a move away if Tottenham suffered relegation.
Top clubs across Europe have reportedly been monitoring his situation closely, including Liverpool and Manchester United. Given his pace, athleticism, and ability on the ball, it is easy to understand why so many clubs admire him.
But things now appear to be changing.
According to recent reports, Van de Ven has been extremely impressed with Roberto De Zerbi during the Italian’s first months in charge. The defender is believed to be excited by the direction De Zerbi wants to take the club and is now open to signing a new contract if Tottenham stays in the Premier League.
That development could completely transform Spurs’ summer plans.
Losing Cristian Romero already looks like a real possibility, with Atletico Madrid continuing to show strong interest in the Argentine defender. If Romero leaves as expected, Tottenham simply cannot afford to lose Van de Ven as well. Replacing an entire centre-back partnership in one summer would be a huge risk, especially for a team that has already struggled defensively.
Keeping Van de Ven could become the foundation of De Zerbi’s rebuild.
Even during Tottenham’s difficult campaign, the Dutchman has shown flashes of why the club rated him so highly when he first arrived. His recovery speed, composure, and ability to defend large spaces are perfect qualities for a manager like De Zerbi, who prefers an aggressive defensive line and attacking football.
More importantly, Van de Ven still has room to improve. At 25 years old, he is entering the most important years of his career and could become one of the leaders of this new Tottenham project if the club builds correctly around him.
For Spurs fans, that possibility offers genuine hope after two miserable years.
Survival alone will not erase the failures of this season, but it would give Tottenham a chance to reset properly under a manager who appears capable of changing the culture inside the club. De Zerbi’s influence is already becoming clear, not just tactically but mentally too.
The fact that a player like Van de Ven now wants to stay and potentially sign a new deal says a lot about the belief De Zerbi is creating behind the scenes.
Tottenham still have major problems to solve. The squad needs balance, leadership, and far more consistency. Recruitment decisions this summer will be crucial. But for the first time in a long while, there is at least a feeling that the club may finally be moving in the right direction again.
And if Spurs can secure Van de Ven’s future while building a stronger team around him, it could prove to be the smartest move they make all summer.
