Tottenham Hotspur are in desperate need of a successful summer transfer window to prevent a repeat of the past two seasons in the Premier League.
Roberto de Zerbi’s immediate impact in north London saw the Lilywhites avoid the threat of relegation, finishing the 2025/26 season in just 17th place.
But for supporters, this is not the first rodeo to witness a team struggling in England’s top flight, having finished in exactly the same place 12 months ago.
As a result, this summer will be a key period as they aim to climb back up the table and secure a European spot throughout 2026/27.
Recruitment teams have been working tirelessly in recent days to secure the services of a number of players, and a breakthrough appears to be in sight ahead of the window opening on Monday.
Spurs agree personal terms to sign £70m star this summer
Spurs’ search for additional signings this summer will no doubt be across Europe, but signings from Premier League clubs may also be an obvious possibility.
Liverpool winger Codi Gakpo is just one player who has been floated as a potential target, with the Dutchman said to be open to leaving Anfield within the next period.
A transfer fee of close to £60 million is being mooted for the 27-year-old forward, who scored seven league goals in the last season in England’s top flight.
Gakpo is not the only Premier League player they are currently eyeing, with Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke once again on their shortlist.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have already agreed personal terms with the 26-year-old star ahead of a potential move to the Lilywhites in the summer.
He also claims that talks are continuing between the two sides after Roberto De Zerbi’s side had their first offer for the defender rejected earlier this week.
The Seagulls are demanding at least £70m for Van Hekke over this period, but it remains to be seen how much the Lilywhites are willing to spend on his contract.
Why Van Hecke will be the next Spurs captain after Romero
After struggling in the Premier League last season, changes are expected at Spurs this season, with centre-back Cristian Romero one of the players who could be released.
The Argentine has caused a stir among his fan base in recent months as he did not deny rumors linking him to a move from North London.
However, it’s fair to say that he hasn’t lived up to expectations in recent times, with him racking up 11 yellow cards and two red cards during the 2025/26 season.
Spurs received the most yellow cards in the PL (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
player | tally |
Pedro Polo | 10 |
Christian Romero | 9 |
mickey van de ven | 9 |
Joan Parinha | 8 |
Kevin Danso | 8 |
Rodrigo Bentancur | 7 |
Xavi Simmons | 5 |
archie gray | 5 |
His poor discipline undoubtedly cost the Lilywhites at key moments and was viewed as unacceptable, especially by the club’s captain.
Given the continuing rumors surrounding Romero’s long-term future, there is a good chance he will leave, potentially opening the door for a new club captain for the 2026-27 season.
Van Hecke could be the next captain, and the Dutchman’s quality and leadership at Brighton make him a key target for De Zerbi’s side this summer.
The 26-year-old has always been a key figure in Brighton’s recent rise to the Premier League, and his latest season stats highlight the defender’s talent.
His impressive 2,198 passes completed last season ranks him in the top 3% of all players in the division and highlights his composure with the ball at his feet.
De Zerbi’s system requires players to be comfortable in possession and Van Hecke could play a key role in the Lilywhites’ bid to return to the Premier League.
The Dutch international also attracted attention without the ball, winning 62% of his ground battles and contributing 8.9 out of 90 defensively.
No Spurs centre-back won more games per 90 ground games than the Brighton star last season, further underscoring the additional quality he would offer in any move.
While the agreement on a personal level is evidence that the player himself wants to move to north London, it is essential that the Lilywhites hierarchy work tirelessly to meet the Seagulls’ demands.
£70 million is an astronomical amount for a defender, but it is enough to get De Zerbi the top-level all-round centre-back he is currently looking for.
There’s no reason why Van Hecke can’t succeed in north London, and he could be the perfect person to replace Romero in his bid to succeed.
A better deal than Van Hecke: Spurs currently lead the race for the £60m star
Tottenham are preparing to sign the former Premier League champion this summer.
