Tottenham Hotspur have completed a transformative midfield rebuild, spending a combined £185m to sign Mateus Fernandes for £85m and Sandro Tonali for £100m. Manager Roberto De Zerbi intends to deploy both players in his starting lineup from the start of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
Midfield Overhaul After Last Season's Struggles
Midfield was a major weakness for Spurs last season, as the team struggled to control matches. De Zerbi, who took over mid-season on a firefighting mission to keep the club in the Premier League, has now set out an ambitious plan to reshape the centre of the park. With top-flight status secured, the Italian wants to implement his distinctive style of play, which requires midfielders comfortable receiving and playing the ball under pressure.
Fernandes, 21, is among England's most press-resistant midfielders. Despite suffering relegation with West Ham last season—his second consecutive relegation after going down with Southampton—his quality on and off the ball has continued to shine. Fernandes ranked first for tackles won by a significant margin at West Ham, completing 67 tackles, while his nearest teammate, Kyle Walker-Peters, managed just 30.
How Tonali and Fernandes Fit De Zerbi's System
In De Zerbi's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, Tonali is expected to sit alongside either Fernandes or Rodrigo Bentancur in a double pivot. There is also the possibility that Spurs could switch to a three-man defence with a midfield two. Fernandes would likely compete for minutes with Bentancur, who impressed upon returning from injury late last season.
Tonali, 25, brings a sweeping array of passes from deep, but his ability to drive forward with and without the ball is what stood out to De Zerbi. A goal for Newcastle against Southampton in January 2025 exemplifies his skill set: Tonali stormed past his marker to head the ball to Alexander Isak, continued his run, collected Anthony Gordon's pass, and slotted home. The move showcased his energy, timing, and spatial awareness.
A Statement of Intent
The signings represent a huge statement from Tottenham. With the midfield rebuild almost complete, Spurs are expected to be a far more fearsome proposition next season, putting other teams on notice. De Zerbi will look to Tonali and Fernandes to take control of matches and drive the team forward.
