Whether Tottenham Hotspur move down the table in May or not, new manager Roberto De Zerbi will need to oversee some kind of rebuild in N17 this summer.
While players like his predecessor Ange Postecoglou may have sought immediate, proven contracts, the Lilywhites have a predominantly youth-oriented transfer policy, something that has already begun to undergo some revision in recent years.
Last summer, the North Londoners made headlines by spending £52 million on 22-year-old sensation Xavi Simmons, and the year before that saw midfield duo Archie Gray and Lukas Bergvall join Postecoglou’s ranks.
It may have taken some time for these deals to really pay off, but as senior stars fade, it’s Gray and others who are emerging, with similar potential deals on the table for next season.
£30m British star wants to join Spurs’ De Zerbi this summer
Despite the turmoil this term, there are reasons to be positive about the 2026/27 season. De Zerbi’s squad will be strengthened by the return of a string of loan players, including Mikey Moore and Luka Vuskovic.
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The club’s relegation fate over the next seven games may decide whether the duo stays, with interest in them highlighted, but Spurs’ current predicament is likely to be an issue when planning ahead for potential new signings.
However, some North London players may be willing to move regardless of whether they stay, and TEAMtalk reports that Manchester City’s James Trafford is open to a move even in the event of relegation.
The move symbolizes the 23-year-old’s desire to play, having played second fiddle to Gigi Donnarumma at the Etihad this season, with the England international keen to become the undisputed number one at his next club.
City, meanwhile, are said to be open to a sale despite only re-signing the former academy graduate in a £27m deal with Burnley last summer, with other reports suggesting a fee of around £30m could be sufficient for a potential suitor.
The latest news claims that Trafford is said to be a “key target” for De Zerbi and others, with Tottenham currently “pressing ahead with a deal” for current number one Guglielmo Vicario amid rumors of him returning to Italy.
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The Lilywhites will likely make a long-term investment, as they did with Gray, but a £30m transfer fee may seem steep for a player who has mostly watched from the bench at the Etihad this season.
Highest value U21 – PL | |
|---|---|
player | value |
Estevao | £70m |
Endowment | £42m |
Mainu | £42 million |
ryan | £34m |
croup | £34m |
mountain wall | £34 million |
lewis skelly | £30 million |
gray | £30 million |
here | £30 million |
via Transfermarkt | |
The former Leeds United man, who, like Trafford, is also an England youth international, signed a £40m deal almost two years ago and was active in the second tier in 2023/24, a breakout year under manager Daniel Farke.
It is in the Championship that Trafford has done his best work so far, but as seen in Gray’s rise since then, that is no cause for concern as the 6ft 6 keeper was a force to be reckoned with during Burnley’s promotion push last season.
After missing out on the Clarets’ 2023/24 season due to relegation, the youngster cemented his place in the starting XI again under manager Scott Parker in 2024/25, finishing with a truly impressive record of conceding just 16 goals in 46 games.
This includes 12 consecutive clean sheets, with 12.82 goals prevented over the season. For comparison, the aforementioned Vicario has conceded -5.22 goals this season and has committed two errors that lead to goals.
It’s safe to say that the goalkeeping department has been a problem area for Spurs of late, with Vicario’s struggles occurring right in the middle. that Back-up stopper Antonin Kinski had a disappointing night against Atletico Madrid and was sent off in the 16th minute.
It’s difficult for a goalkeeper to recover from such a disaster, especially early in his career, and it could be Trafford who finally settles the game.
Since the departure of Hugo Lloris, there has been a need for a stable and solid first choice, and Trafford, who is only 23 years old, appears to be the long-term solution. This is certainly a reflection of their midfield standings, with the club enduring the real turmoil of a post-Mousa Dembele world, but Gray seems intent on rectifying the situation.
Despite his tactical genius, De Zerbi won’t go anywhere without a steady presence with the sticks and will ensure that the young Trafford represents a dream first signing with the Italian regime at N17.
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