Tottenham Hotspur will be eager to put the 2025/26 campaign behind them after another disappointing season that saw the club finish 17th in the Premier League for the second consecutive year.
Although the Europa League triumph provided a memorable highlight, Spurs remain far from competing with the division’s elite, underlining the scale of the rebuilding task ahead.
There is, however, renewed optimism surrounding Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian quickly shifted the focus to the future after securing the club’s Premier League survival, making it clear that there would be no time to relax as preparations for a crucial summer overhaul begin.
With De Zerbi now in charge, Tottenham are expected to reshape their squad significantly, and the transfer window is already shaping up to be a busy one.
Spurs are closing in on several additions, with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi both expected to arrive on free transfers. Robertson is set to leave Liverpool after an illustrious spell at Anfield, while Senesi’s contract at Bournemouth is also nearing its conclusion.
Despite the lack of transfer fees involved, both players are viewed as smart acquisitions that could add valuable experience and quality to the squad.
Tottenham’s recruitment drive is unlikely to stop there. Joao Palhinha is increasingly expected to become the club’s third signing of the summer after a highly successful loan spell from Bayern Munich.
The Portuguese midfielder played a crucial role in Spurs’ survival campaign and even scored the decisive goal that secured their Premier League status. Speaking after the season ended, Palhinha hinted that he would welcome a permanent move, expressing his happiness at the club.
Recent reports suggest Tottenham are confident of completing a deal worth around £26 million to bring the midfielder back permanently.
Palhinha’s impact during a difficult campaign was undeniable. Despite the team’s struggles, he consistently delivered strong performances and emerged as one of Tottenham’s standout players.
His defensive qualities have drawn widespread praise, with recruitment analyst Marcus Bring describing him as a “defensive monster.” No Spurs player averaged more tackles per 90 minutes last season, while he also led the squad in ground duels won.
Those attributes have led to comparisons with Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, who flourished under De Zerbi at Brighton before earning a high-profile move.
While Palhinha is at a different stage of his career, his ability to dominate midfield battles could make him a key figure in De Zerbi’s new-look Tottenham side.
If Spurs can complete the signing and surround him with more creative and progressive players, Palhinha could become one of the foundations of the club’s rebuild and a vital player in De Zerbi’s long-term project.
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