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Spurs planned to persist with a dual sporting director setup, and Sebastien Kehl was close to replacing Fabio Paratici after leaving Borussia Dortmund. When that deal collapsed, head coach Roberto de Zerbi gained greater sway over recruitment.
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After brief managerial stints from Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor last season, De Zerbi signed a five-year contract in March and steered Spurs to safety.
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Following a final-day win over Everton that confirmed survival, the former Brighton boss urged a busy transfer window, saying only 10–12 players were truly up to the standard to stay.
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Fernandes is the fifth summer addition, joining goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and defenders Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, and Van Hecke.
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De Zerbi knows Van Hecke from their time together at Brighton and has long admired compatriot Tonali.
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The club’s owners have clearly prioritised experience and leadership. Although Fernandes is 21, both Lange and De Zerbi praised his intelligence and maturity. Robertson, 32, has won every major honour with Liverpool and recently captained Scotland at the World Cup, while Senesi, 29, brings four seasons of Premier League experience from Bournemouth.
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Pursuing Fernandes and Tonali—targets for Tottenham’s big-six rivals—indicates Spurs have raised their wage ceiling, which under Levy had limited moves for elite players.
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The revamped trading model also seeks stronger returns from player sales. A case in point is Brighton’s £46m deal for 19-year-old defender Luka Vuskovic, who has yet to appear in the Premier League and spent last season on loan at Hamburg.
- Vuskovic is unlikely to be the only departure this summer. Further sales will help Spurs reinvest in areas needing upgrades, with De Zerbi especially keen to strengthen the attack.
July5July 5, 2026