Transfer 'shark' De Zerbi hopes to drag Spurs up from depths
Through his self-confessed love of the transfer window, Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi hopes he can guide his club back up the Premier League table.
Roberto de Zerbi, the newly appointed Tottenham manager, has been working tirelessly to turn the club's fortunes around following a disastrous 2025-26 season. In a stark contrast to the grim dressing room scene following their 1-0 defeat at Sunderland last season, De Zerbi's players are now enjoying a pre-season tour in Sydney, laughing, smiling, and bonding over coffee and competitive table tennis matches.
Club-record signings Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andrew Robertson, and Martin Dubravka have all integrated into the squad, with Marcos Senesi joining as a club-record signing from Argentina. De Zerbi acknowledges the importance of these players in helping Tottenham rise from the depths, stating, "I deserve to want the top players, because now Tottenham deserves to build up a top team."
De Zerbi's hands-on approach extends to the transfer market, where he has secured record deals for Fernandes and Tonali, demonstrating his shark-like determination in securing the best talent. He even goes the extra mile in building personal connections with players, such as Fernandes' father and Tonali's family, ensuring a smooth transition to life in England.
Despite the significant investment from the club, De Zerbi remains unfazed, emphasizing that he is under no pressure to spend recklessly. Instead, he views the club's financial injection as desperately needed, similar to the transfers made by other top clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool. He also highlights the disciplined decision to not sign Joao Palhinha due to financial considerations, showcasing his commitment to building a long-term plan for the club's success.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
