Roberto De Zerbi has identified three Brighton players as priority targets for Tottenham's summer reconstruction, according to reports. The Spurs manager, who saved the club from relegation on the final day of the 2025-26 season with a 1-0 victory over Everton, is planning an ambitious squad rebuild after describing their survival battle as unacceptable for a club of Tottenham's stature.
De Zerbi's immediate shopping list centres on his former Brighton charges: midfielder Carlos Baleba, goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, and defender Jan Paul Van Hecke. The Italian boss has worked with all three at Brighton and believes they fit his tactical blueprint. However, Tottenham's hierarchy recognises the challenge of securing all three simultaneously, particularly given Brighton's reluctance to sell multiple key assets in one window.
Secondary Targets Identified
Should negotiations with Brighton prove difficult, Spurs have identified four alternative options to strengthen their backline and midfield. These include Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, Liverpool's Andy Robertson, Manchester City's James Trafford, and veteran defender John Stones. The defensive focus reflects Tottenham's fragility throughout the season, which ultimately required a desperate final-day escape from the drop zone. This represents the club's first relegation battle since 1994.
De Zerbi's comments following the Everton win underscored the scale of the challenge ahead. He suggested only 10-12 current squad members merit retention, requiring wholesale changes across outfield positions. The manager emphasised that Tottenham cannot afford another season of suffering and promised to build a team capable of competing consistently at the level expected of a Premier League institution. His experience at Brighton, where he developed young talent and implemented a coherent attacking system, suggests he has a clear vision for the club's direction.
The manager's determination to act decisively in the transfer market signals Tottenham's intent to avoid another relegation crisis. De Zerbi's preference for Brighton familiarity may accelerate negotiations, though the Seagulls are unlikely to facilitate a mass exodus of their prize assets without substantial investment.
