De Zerbi to take a closer look at Meliapublished at 11:00 BST 17 June
11:00 BST 17 June
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham striker Mason Melia is preparing for the club's pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.
The 18-year-old, previously a Republic of Ireland youth international, will hope to impress under Roberto de Zerbi after joining Spurs in January amid strong competition from Premier League rivals, including Everton, Manchester City and Chelsea.
He signed from St Patrick's Athletic for an Irish record £1.6m fee, rising to £3.2m with add-ons, having played nearly 100 senior games before his 18th birthday, including matches in the Uefa Conference League.
However, Melia arrived with a niggling back problem that required treatment over the past six months.
He returned in early April and scored two goals, as well as providing an assist, in the final six under-21 matches of the Spurs academy season.
It remains unclear whether he can break into De Zerbi's plans or if a loan move will be considered later in the transfer window, which closes on 1 September.
Scotland defender Andy Robertson has already signed from Liverpool, with Argentinian centre-half Marcos Senesi agreeing a move from Bournemouth.
The arrivals of Van Hecke and Senesi will leave Roberto de Zerbi with a wealth of central defensive options.
But with no European football next term, how many of Tottenham's centre-halves will still be in north London at the start of the 2026-27 campaign?
Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin are already at the club, as well as 19-year-old defender Luka Vuskovic, who spent last season on loan at Hamburg but is reportedly wanted by Brighton as well as a host of top European sides.
Spurs fans are yet to see him in competitive action for the club, although could get a first-hand glimpse of the sought-after youngster's potential when England face Croatia on Wednesday.
Romero, meanwhile, who like Senesi is representing Argentina at the World Cup this summer, has spent five seasons at Spurs and captained the club to a first trophy in 17 years when they beat Manchester United to win the Europa League in 2025.
But he has long been touted with a move away, and the 28-year-old's availability - either through suspension or injury he only played 23 Premier League games last season and 18 the campaign before - is a source of frustration among supporters.
Dragusin has also been linked with an exit - the Romanian reportedly turned down Bayern Munich to join Spurs in January 2024 but an ACL injury has disrupted his time at the club and the new additions will push the 24-year-old further down the pecking order.
Should Romero and Dragusin depart, that would leave De Zerbi with Senesi, Van Hecke, Van de Ven and Danso, as well as with a decision to make over whether Vuskovic remains, goes on loan or is sold permanently.
It's worth noting Van de Ven started at left-back in the same Netherlands back four as Van Hecke on Sunday against Japan, but Spurs are also not short on bodies in that position with Robertson soon to arrive.
Or, with all these new arrivals, might De Zerbi opt for a back five?
Brighton have no immediate plans for new Vuskovic bidpublished at 08:49 BST 17 June
08:49 BST 17 June
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Croatia defender Luka Vuskovic in training ahead of the World Cup opener against England
Brighton have no immediate plans to make a fresh offer for Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic.
The revelation Brighton have agreed a £52m deal with Tottenham for Jan Paul van Hecke to move to north London sparked suggestions of a renewed attempt to sign Vuskovic, the 19-year-old who will be part of Croatia's squad to face England on Wednesday.
Vuskovic is viewed as one of the most highly rated young players in Europe and Brighton have already had a £30m offer rejected for him.
After spending last season on loan in Germany with Hamburg, Vuskovic will face more competition for the central defensive positions with the arrival of Van Hecke, although there has been speculation over the future of skipper Cristian Romero.
Brighton are keeping across the situation but they will not be making another bid at the moment.
Evidently, they do need a replacement for Van Hecke, who started 36 out of their 38 Premier League games last season.
However, they do have time.
With a year left on his contract, Brighton feel they have negotiated an excellent deal around Van Hecke, particularly as his move to Tottenham includes what is regarded as a significant sell-on clause, should the 26-year-old Netherlands World Cup star leave the club at some point.
Brighton are not willing to pay Tottenham's £60m asking price for 19-year-old Croatia centre-back Luka Vuskovic, who spent last season on loan at Hamburg. (Football Insider), external
Tottenham have rejected several approaches for English striker Will Lankshear, with Spurs wanting £20m for the 21-year-old, who impressed on loan at Oxford last season. (Hayters), external
What are your best and worst opening-day memories?published at 12:31 BST 16 June
12:31 BST 16 June
The World Cup may be less than a week old but the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures will be released on Friday.
And to get in the mood as Tottenham prepare for a first full season under Roberto de Zerbi, we want your stories of opening-day games that have stuck in your minds most - both the good and the bad.
'We believe in Pedro' - Porro signs new dealpublished at 11:34 BST 15 June
11:34 BST 15 June
Image source, Getty Images
Pedro Porro has signed a new long-term contract with Tottenham, having made 152 appearances since arriving in January 2023 from Sporting CP.
The 26-year-old had two years remaining on the contract he signed when he joined Spurs and, while not disclosed, it is understood this new one will to run until 2031.
Head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, said: "Pedro is a very important player for us, who has consistently shown his ability to influence matches in both defensive and attacking situations.
"As well as his technical quality, I also love his mentality. Every day he wants to work, to learn and to improve, and these are the characteristics that help players reach the highest level.
"He understands football in a very intelligent way, and brings energy, intensity and personality to the team.
"This new contract is good news for everyone at the Club. We believe in Pedro, and I am excited to continue working with him and helping him achieve even more in the coming years."
Sporting Director, Johan Lange, added: "Securing Pedro's future was an important priority for us this summer.
"During the past three-and-half years, he has made huge progress to become one of the best full-backs in the game, and the fact he is about to play in the World Cup for Spain is testament to that."
Gossip: Spurs target Van Hecke to decide future after World Cuppublished at 08:42 BST 15 June
08:42 BST 15 June
Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, 26, says he will resolve his club future following the World Cup after the Seagulls rejected two bids from Tottenham for the Netherlands international. (Sky Sports, external)
'Romero needs to go' - fans on who they would keep, loan and sellpublished at 12:44 BST 12 June
12:44 BST 12 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on who you would like Tottenham to keep, loan and sell from the squad this summer.
Here are some of your comments:
Seb: Sell Richarlison - has been awful this season we need a prolific goalscorer. Keep Palhinha - great this season, kept us in the Premier League. Loan out Tel - not quite good enough yet and needs more experience.
Graeme: A fringe player under the previous few managers we need right now in the dressing room and at the training ground is Ben Davies. We need his professionalism and consistency that's why I'm glad he's extended his contract. Kinsky should be loaned out to gain regular playing time as I feel he could possibly be a Spurs number one in the near future but more experience is needed for the Premier League. Sorry but Romero needs to go for three reasons; his antics this season has possibly cost us points, he's not captain material and lastly, he's definitely replaceable.
Emma: Pape Sarr should be sold as we have too many players in that position and I think his development has stalled. I think we should keep Tel, I think he will get the mistakes trained out of him and he can whip a great ball into the box and strikes the ball very well. If they are planning to get another keeper in, I think a loan move for Kinsky will develop him better than playing a handful of games a season. He needs to get 30-35 games in a season to improve and then he'll be able to be the number one.
Mark: I would sell Romero, very good player but too often a liability. Loan out Mathys Tel, he needs to learn how to pass to his team-mates but could be very good. Bring back Mikey Moore - great potential and Spurs through and through.
Ted: Keep Will Lankshear. I think the lad will be massive one day. Loan Williams-Barnett and please sell Richarlison, he's just not good enough.
Mike: The fringe player we should bring in is Jamie Donley. He did a great job at Oxford Utd and deserves to be in the squad now and again. With Senesi joining us and Van Hecke likely to sign, we'll have a glut of centre backs, so Luka Vuskovic should be loaned out for another year. Much as I like him as a person, Vicario needs to be replaced. He is not a safe pair of hands at corners and set pieces and he has problems playing out from the back.
Jonesy: Keep Kinsky and give him a chance next season, his saves in the last few games were as vital as anything in saving us from relegation. Tel - if we can't sell him send him out on loan. He simply never was good enough to be on the bench, let alone starting 11. Sell - could name so many but I would say first choice has to be Richarlison as he has had so many chances and never comes good.
Karl: Keep - Odobert, there's a player in there which Roberto de Zerbi will get out. Loan - Vuskovic, give him his wish to play with his brother and give him a new contract, especially if we sign Van Hecke, then he comes back to be a key player the following season. Sell - Vicario, Romero, Dragusin, Sarr, Richarlison, Solomon. Try and get over £100m to reinvest in the squad.
'Great buy' and 'no-brainer' - fans on Senensi signingpublished at 10:41 BST 11 June
10:41 BST 11 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Tottenham's new signing Marcos Senesi and whether it is smart business for the club, who have struggled for form in the past two seasons.
Here are some of your comments:
Gary: A good signing. Someone who will be available all season, no suspensions, injuries or controversy. Someone you can rely on. Cannot wait for the clear-out to begin.
Gazza: So refreshing to see Spurs make some early signings after years of last-minute cut-price panic deals. Is this the new chapter we've all been waiting for? COYS.
Bodebird: Has Senesi missed what happened this last season at Tottenham? We're lucky to have him. One Argentinian centre-back in and the other hopefully out soon. Senesi will be a more level-headed example for the younger players.
Jimmy: Good addition to the squad, especially on a free transfer. I've a feeling both Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero will be departing this pre-season. Jan Paul van Hecke should be another great addition.
Mehmet: Great Signing. Will make the defence a lot stronger, alongside Andy Robertson. Need to sign Van Hecke too.
Josh: Seems a great buy considering how good Bournemouth were last season. However, we just need to try to offload Romero. If so, I think Senesi and Van de Ven will be a strong partnership at the back.
Matt: This is the definition of a no-brainer. A proven, experienced, quality player who could go straight into the team. Get Romero out and Van Hecke in and we have a central defensive unit of fantastic stature in Senesi, Micky, Danso and Van Hecke. The future's bright, the future's Lily White.
Thomas: Senesi is a brilliant player. I can't express how happy I am with his arrival. He was a mainstay of my Fantasy team last season. Welcome and COYS!
'Special feeling to be a Spurs player' - Senesi joins Tottenhampublished at 17:34 BST 10 June
17:34 BST 10 June
Image source, Getty Images
Marcos Senesi says it is a "special feeling" to join Tottenham, after the club announced he will be signing on a free transfer on 1 July.
The Argentina defender will move to north London after four years with Bournemouth following the expiry of his current deal with the Cherries.
Speaking to the club media, Senesi said: "It's a very special feeling to be a Tottenham Hotspur player.
"From the first moment, the club has shown why they want me and how much they want me to be a part of what they are building. It's exciting and something I can't wait to be involved in.
"Every time I step on the pitch, I will do my best to make the fans proud and to take the club back to the place it belongs. I want to win things with Tottenham and will do everything I can to make that happen."
The 29-year-old made 128 appearances for Bournemouth, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists, and helped the south coast side secure European football for the first time in his final campaign with them.
Spurs head coach Roberto de Zerbi, added: "Marcos' experience, quality on the ball, and competitive edge will strengthen us defensively, as well as giving us flexibility in formation.
"He's comfortable playing in a possession-based team, reads the game very well and has the personality to thrive in a demanding environment.
"I also love his mentality and desire to keep improving and I'm looking forward to working with him and seeing the big contribution he can make to the team."
What do you make of the new signing? Is Senesi the type of player to improve Spurs? And is this a sign of smart business and recovery following last season's difficulties?
Bissouma to depart as Davies sees bright future under De Zerbipublished at 12:57 BST 10 June
12:57 BST 10 June
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham have confirmed Yves Bissouma will leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
The 29-year-old joined Spurs in 2022, making 111 appearances after his high-profile move from Brighton.
Spurs have also confirmed a group of under-21 players who will leave the club, including Pele Arganese-McDermott, Tyrell Ashcroft, Leo Black, Dante Cassanova, Matthew Craig and Calum Logan.
"It's been a huge part of my football journey," Davies said.
"I am just grateful for what the club has given me so far in my career.
"When you have the new manager come in, that first session and game you want to impress. I didn't have that opportunity this year. My first conversation was that I wasn't going to be around to help him on the pitch (due to inuury). I was around pretty much every meeting and game, trying to help the guys.
"Seeing the way he's come in and lifted this group in a really tough spot, he lifted us, the fans, the club, having his presence and confidence, we can feel a lot of relief. The job he has done is amazing but I am excited to see what he brings in the future for this club.
"He's incredibly passionate. It's honestly a pleasure to watch. There are new ideas every day. On an emotional level he's incredibly smart - he knows when the players need a pick me up or a dressing down."
Gossip: Tottenham considering move for Bremerpublished at 08:11 BST 10 June
08:11 BST 10 June
Tottenham are considering a move for Juventus and Brazil defender Gleison Bremer, 29, to replace 28-year-old Argentina international Cristian Romero in central defence. (Tuttosport - in Italian), external
Manchester United are not interested in signing Romero from Tottenham but are interested in Newcastle's versatile 21-year-old English defender Lewis Hall. (Teamtalk), external
'Luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw' - Spencepublished at 12:27 BST 9 June
12:27 BST 9 June
Image source, Getty Images
Djed Spence will have to play the entire World Cup in a protective mask due to a "crazy challenge" from Liam Delap, which saw him sustain a broken jaw in Tottenham's penultimate Premier League game of the season.
The full-back, who was named in Thomas Tuchel's 26-man England squad ahead of Newcastle United's Lewis Hall and Manchester United's Luke Shaw, revealed the injury will take three months to heal.
"It is a little bit uncomfortable - but it is what it is," Spence said. "I have a broken jaw so I have to wear it throughout the tournament.
"It is something I will have to get used to. It will be three months until it is fully healed, so it is a long time. It was painful, but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw so it is all good.
"I have been wearing it in training, getting used to wearing it in the heat, and trying to break it in properly.
"It was a crazy challenge, but it is in the past now. I've just got to focus on this tournament now. "
The 25-year-old, who has five England caps to his name, sported his protective mask in England's first World Cup warm-up game against New Zealand last week.
"It shows the manager believes in me," Spence added on his World Cup call-up. "He believes in my quality and I'm thankful for him.
"I just want to keep on putting in the performances to make everyone happy. It is a huge honour to play for your country, it is a big thing. I'm over the moon and happy to be here.
"It has been a difficult season [with Tottenham], but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. We managed to get out of a difficult situation, so we have to move forward. Hopefully this World Cup will be a good one."
England will continue their preparations with another warm-up fixture against Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday, 10 June.
Fans like Mitoma - but would going for ex-De Zerbi players show 'weakness'?published at 09:31 BST 9 June
09:31 BST 9 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on which players boss Roberto de Zerbi has worked with before you would like to see Tottenham target as the club look to close a deal for Jan Paul van Hecke, his former defender at Brighton.
Here are some of your comments:
David: I like the idea of a chunk of our defence being from the Netherlands. So yes to Van Hecke and Bart Verbruggen to complement Micky van de Ven. I remember a time not long ago when our Belgian duo, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, secured our backline and that worked out great. And if Roberto already knows them, so much the better.
Atul: Tottenham need strengthening all over the pitch and if he rates his former players, then yes, he should go for them.
Christopher: I have always been an admirer of Kaoru Mitoma and have desired for Tottenham to sign him long before Mr De Zerbi came along. In my opinion, Japanese players are hugely underrated and the traditionally 'bigger' clubs not coming in for them (like Maeda Daizen at Celtic) is strange. And, unlike players from Marseille, Shakhtar Donetsk and Mr De Zerbi's Italian clubs, Mitoma not only has Premier League experience but five years of it. He would top of my list.
Doug: Van Hecke is a great player and if we can get it over the line it would be an amazing signing. Brighton need to be realistic with his valuation and, as he's in his final year, I wouldn't overpay and would sign him next season instead on a free. The player I'd most love to see though is Mitoma - he is class and we need someone like him on our left wing because we never replaced Son Heung-min.
Ken: Signing former players is a weakness. It's an attempt at a shortcut and a tacit admission that you are unable to transfer your ideas across quickly and/or that you have already made a judgement on certain players like Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie et al.
Tyler: I've always loved Mitoma. He reminds me so much of Son in his prime. I would rather go in for him than Savinho for that alone.
Charles: Van Hecke would be a great choice in place of Romero, who needs to leave this summer, particularly as the Brighton defender is a compatriot of Van de Ven. However, my top pick would be Mitoma - an incredible player who scored a sensational goal against us last season. Spurs badly need a fast left-sided player and he would be an amazing signing.
Matt: It is very limiting to only look at players who have played for De Zerbi in the past so I hope they don't restrict themselves in that way. However, having players who can come right in and play his style and advocate for his methods would be beneficial and help Spurs get a quick start next season. I'd love to see Mitoma at Spurs. He's a direct replacement for Son and he still has a couple good seasons in him. He would help develop our younger players in that position: Mikey Moore and Mathys Tel.
Ian: Mitoma. We need someone capable right now, and that doesn't block the path of Moore long term. I think Savinho is just a different Tel and too similar in age to all the other left forwards we have. They would all block one another's paths, particularly Moore's.
The Tottenham players at the World Cuppublished at 07:59 BST 9 June
07:59 BST 9 June
The countdown to the World Cup is well and truly on, so here's a reminder of the Spurs players selected to represent their countries from 11 June to 19 July.
The expanded 48-team competition is set to be the biggest in history, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting.
Tottenham's World Cup contingent:
Rodrigo Bentancur (Uruguay)
Lucas Bergvall (Sweden)
Kevin Danso (Austria)
Antonin Kinsky (Czech Republic)
Pedro Porro (Spain)
Andy Robertson (Scotland)
Cristian Romero (Argentina)
Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)
Djed Spence (England)
Micky van de Ven (Netherlands)
Luka Vuskovic (Croatia)
This list includes Vuskovic, who has returned from a season-long loan spell at Hamburg, and Robertson, after his summer transfer from Liverpool.
Image caption,
The above graphic is based on the 2025-26 Premier League clubs and squad lists
Which former De Zerbi players could Spurs target? - Have your saypublished at 17:57 BST 8 June
17:57 BST 8 June
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton are expecting Tottenham to return with another bid for defender Jan Paul van Hecke after rejecting their initial offer.
Van Hecke, who is part of the Netherlands' World Cup squad, has a year left on his contract and new Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi is keen to be reunited with the 25-year-old after working with him at Brighton.
The Brighton defender would be one of De Zerbi's first signings - after signing former Liverpool defender Andy Robertson - if this deal materialised, and shows how he is looking to boost his squad with players he knows well from his previous managerial roles.
Which other former De Zerbi players would you like to see Spurs target this summer and why? And do you think this is a good recruitment strategy for the club?
Image source, Getty Images
