Tottenham Hotspur could line up with a vastly different team when the new Premier League campaign kicks off. Boss Roberto De Zerbi has wasted little time in reshaping his squad following last season's battle against relegation.
De Zerbi's Transfer Overhaul
The Spurs manager was forthright about the need for summer reinforcements on the final day of the season. "I think we have now to change too many players," De Zerbi admitted. "We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay."
The club have acted decisively in the transfer market, snapping up Liverpool icon Andy Robertson and Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi on free transfers. Jan Paul van Hecke has also been reunited with his former Brighton manager De Zerbi following the defender's £52million switch.
However, Spurs' recruitment drive is far from over as the club had an £80m offer rejected for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali and have also been linked with England forward Marcus Rashford. Here is how De Zerbi's team could potentially shape up if Tottenham secure those headline signings.
Defensive Stability
Between the posts, Guglielmo Vicario could retain his position. Antonin Kinsky performed admirably during the Italian's absence last season, but Vicario ought to remain first choice. The 29-year-old has been linked with a move back to Italy, though given the overhauls to other areas of the squad, De Zerbi might choose to retain Vicario to prevent wholesale changes to yet another part of his team.
Pedro Porro will keep his place at right-back after the Spain international recently put pen to paper on a new long-term deal with the club. On the left flank, Destiny Udogie should begin the campaign in the side. However, he will recognise that the experienced Andy Robertson is ready to step in.
Jan Paul van Hecke is the first fresh arrival to feature in this starting XI following De Zerbi's pursuit of his signature. The 26-year-old will be expected to slot straight in as the right-sided centre-back, throwing Cristian Romero's place within the squad into question. Van Hecke could forge an imposing partnership with fellow Dutchman Micky van de Ven. The defender has been linked with a summer move and retaining his services would represent another statement of intent from Tottenham.
Midfield Engine Room
In midfield, Spurs signing Sandro Tonali would emphasise the club's determination to return to the Champions League places next season. ChronicleLive reported that Spurs' £80m bid was turned down as Newcastle value the midfielder at around £100m. Should Tottenham meet Newcastle's asking price and ward off rival clubs for Tonali, he could partner Conor Gallagher in the centre of midfield. The 26-year-old featured regularly under De Zerbi last term and could operate as a box-to-box player alongside Tonali, although Spurs have several other midfielders also competing for places.
James Maddison's absence in the attacking midfield was keenly felt before recovering from his injury problems and he will be eager to hit the ground running next season. Likewise, Dejan Kulusevski would provide a fresh option for De Zerbi down the right flank once the forward regains full fitness.
Attacking Firepower
Marcus Rashford would represent another high-profile signing for Spurs, following his impressive loan spell at Barcelona. The i paper reports that Spurs are reluctant to meet a £40m valuation for the Manchester United forward, who reportedly favours a switch overseas, but securing a deal for the 28-year-old would further illustrate De Zerbi's ambitions. In attack, Dominic Solanke remains Tottenham's first-choice striker. The forward is another who will be looking to rediscover his best form next season following an injury-disrupted campaign.
Summary and Dream XI
In summary, Van Hecke's £52m transfer should strengthen Spurs' defensive line and he is already familiar with De Zerbi's playing philosophy. However, it is by capturing £100m-rated Tonali and meeting the reported £40m valuation for Rashford that Tottenham can become challengers for a Champions League place after finishing 17th in back-to-back seasons.
Tottenham dream XI: Vicario; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie; Tonali, Gallagher, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Rashford.
