Roberto De Zerbi has signalled that Tottenham's summer recruitment drive is far from complete, with the Italian manager determined to add further reinforcements before the transfer window shuts. The club have already committed over £200 million to reshape their squad this summer, bringing in defensive and midfield talent including Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, but De Zerbi remains unsatisfied with the current squad composition.
Speaking after a 2-0 pre-season friendly win against Auckland FC, De Zerbi outlined his vision for the remainder of the market. "We have to finish the window of this transfer market, because it's not finished yet," the manager stated. He emphasised that conversations with the board and owner have centred on building a team capable of winning immediately while establishing foundations for sustained success. "They want to build a very strong team for this season for sure, but to make the base for the future to become great again," De Zerbi explained, signalling the club's long-term ambitions stretch well beyond the 2025-26 campaign.
Attacking Reinforcements Remain Priority
De Zerbi has identified attacking reinforcements as a key area requiring attention in the final weeks of the transfer window. The manager believes additional wide options will prove crucial to his tactical setup and the team's ability to compete at the highest level. Tottenham's investment strategy reflects a deliberate attempt to avoid repeating last season's struggles, with the club now building a more competitive roster across multiple positions.
Beyond first-team signings, De Zerbi is actively evaluating academy prospects to determine their immediate future. Mikey Moore, the 18-year-old winger who spent the previous campaign on loan at Rangers, has impressed during pre-season training. However, De Zerbi remains undecided about the youngster's path forward. "We have to see. We have to analyse the last part of the transfer market, because we try to bring wingers, and then we speak with him, with his agent, with the club, to find the best solution for everyone," the manager said, indicating Moore's future depends partly on the club's ability to secure external attacking talent.
Youth Development Prospects
De Zerbi has also highlighted emerging talents within Tottenham's academy structure. Luca Williams-Barnett and Malachi Hardy have caught the manager's attention during pre-season, with De Zerbi noting their potential for the club's future. This dual focus on immediate competitive needs and long-term player development reflects Tottenham's strategy to balance immediate ambitions with sustainable squad planning.
The coming weeks will prove critical as De Zerbi works to finalise his squad while ensuring new arrivals adapt to his specific tactical demands and physical conditioning requirements. Tottenham's aggressive recruitment approach signals clear intent to challenge for silverware in the Premier League and European competitions during the 2025-26 season.
