De Zerbi exercises greater control over Spurs' recruitment strategy

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jul 3, 2026, 6:53 AM

Last updated Jul 3, 2026

De Zerbi exercises greater control over Spurs' recruitment strategy
Summary

Roberto de Zerbi is taking a more active role in Tottenham's recruitment following a failed deal for Sebastien Kehl to serve as co-sporting director. The coach has already secured five signings this summer, including goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and defenders Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, and Jan Paul van Hecke. De Zerbi is also in pursuit of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, which indicates a shift in Spurs' approach to attracting elite talent. The club aims to enhance its squad while focusing on generating revenue through player sales. Further changes in the squad are anticipated as De Zerbi looks to strengthen the attack.

Source Links
Key Details
  • Roberto de Zerbi now has more authority in player recruitment.
  • Spurs secured five summer signings, including Dubravka and Robertson.
  • The pursuit of Tonali suggests a higher wage ceiling for the squad.
  • The club aims to boost revenue through player sales.
  • Further squad improvements are planned, particularly in attack.
Latest Updates
  • 6:53 AMYahoo SportsDe Zerbi having more say in new Spurs model
What they're saying
"

Tottenham were keen to continue with a co-sporting director model and Sebastien Kehl was close to replacing Fabio Paratici after leaving Borussia Dortmund but a deal fell through, leaving head coach Roberto de Zerbi with greater power in terms of recruitment. Matteus Fernandes is his fifth signing of the summer so far, after goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, plus defenders Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke. The latter is a player De Zerbi knows well as he played under him at Brighton, while the Italian coach is a long-time admirer of compatriot Sandro Tonali, who is also set to join from Newcastle in a deal worth up to £100m.

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days