Tottenham Hotspur face a major rebuild after consecutive 17th-place Premier League finishes. Chairman Peter Charrington called the results 'not acceptable' in an open letter, though he noted the team's fourth-place finish in the Champions League league phase. Manager Roberto De Zerbi must address physical and psychological issues, with the club losing 47 games over two seasons, including 39 in the league. Under Ange Postecoglou, losing became habitual, and Spurs have won just three of their last 22 home league matches.
Injuries have also plagued the squad; Tottenham topped the table for days lost to player injuries, partly due to squad size issues despite having one of the largest rosters. De Zerbi's leadership has been questioned, with Cristian Romero described as an 'awful choice as skipper' due to red cards, suspensions, and poor example. The club is reportedly interested in Liverpool's Andy Robertson, who could take the captaincy, with James Maddison as deputy.
Romero should be sold, with Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi a potential free-transfer replacement. De Zerbi is also eyeing former Brighton players Bart Verbruggen, Carlos Baleba, and Jan Paul van Hecke, with John Stones an alternative. However, the club may need to reduce its squad and raise funds after spending around £700m in four years, posting a £121m pre-tax loss last season and owing over £250m in transfer fees.
A clearout is expected: goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario could leave, with Antonin Kinsky impressing; Destiny Udogie may depart if Robertson arrives; and out-of-contract Ben Davies might go. Highly-rated Luka Vuskovic is earning a Bundesliga place. Charrington promised to build a squad to compete at the highest levels, but consecutive poor finishes mean lower Premier League income and no European football next season.
