Tottenham Hotspur’s rebuilding process is already underway after Roberto De Zerbi successfully guided the club away from relegation danger in dramatic fashion.
Spurs narrowly avoided disaster on the final day, with Joao Palhinha’s decisive goal against Everton securing Premier League survival and bringing relief to a squad that knew the club should never have been in such a position. Micky van de Ven admitted the season had been “embarrassing” for a club of Tottenham’s stature, while the players were left emotionally drained after months of turmoil.
The Italian coach has quickly become the central figure in Spurs’ revival. Since arriving, De Zerbi collected 11 points from seven matches and restored belief inside a fractured dressing room. His influence behind the scenes has reportedly been massive, demanding positivity and accountability throughout the club.
Now attention turns to a crucial summer transfer window.
De Zerbi has already made it clear that major changes are needed, insisting Tottenham must recruit “first level” players capable of preventing another disastrous campaign. While he believes around 10 to 12 current squad members are good enough to remain, the Italian wants the rebuild to begin immediately.
Several key decisions are expected in the coming weeks.
Cristian Romero could finally depart amid growing uncertainty over his future, while Spurs are also weighing up decisions on Guglielmo Vicario and Pedro Porro. Antonin Kinsky’s impressive breakthrough has strengthened the club’s goalkeeping options, and Porro’s future remains under discussion despite his excellent performances under De Zerbi.
Free-agent targets such as Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi are expected to add experience and leadership, while Luka Vuskovic is viewed as a player perfectly suited to De Zerbi’s style.
The futures of Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, Richarlison and Radu Dragusin also remain uncertain, while Randal Kolo Muani is set to return to PSG after his loan spell.
De Zerbi has publicly praised several players for their mentality during the survival battle, including Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Djed Spence and Van de Ven, but warned competition for places will become fiercer next season.
Young talents Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr, Mikey Moore and Mathys Tel are expected to play important roles moving forward, while De Zerbi is also eager to work with players he barely had available this season, including Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Xavi Simons.
The Italian believes Tottenham can finally move forward after surviving their darkest campaign in decades. With no European football next season, Spurs will have more time on the training ground to fully implement De Zerbi’s philosophy.
After years of instability, poor managerial appointments and failed transfer decisions, Tottenham’s hierarchy now face a defining summer. The message from De Zerbi is clear: survival was only the beginning — the real rebuild starts now.
