Tottenham Hotspur

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter in Sydney

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi says forward Dejan Kulusevski is "fit and right", but remains cautious over a possible return date.

The Sweden international, 26, was not part of Spurs' pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.

However, he has stepped up his recovery programme over the summer in north London.

Speaking as part of a wider interview, De Zerbi explained Kulusevski's situation. The forward has not played for Spurs since May 2025.

"Kulusevski fit and right, he's one of the best players we have in the squad," De Zerbi said during his side's pre-season tour.

"I wouldn't like to put too much pressure on him or accelerate the rehabilitation process, but I hope he can be available as early as possible."

Spurs are also looking to sell former first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after signing Martin Dubravka on a free transfer from Burnley.

Antonin Kinsky and Dubravka have both featured under De Zerbi during pre-season, but the Italian said he has already decided on his number one goalkeeper.

"We start with Kinsky because he deserves to be the first-choice goalkeeper," De Zerbi added.

"He is another player with huge potential. He's mature, has personality and I believe in his qualities."

Spurs next face Spanish club Getafe at their training ground on Saturday as their pre-season preparations continue.

United States striker Folarin Balogun, 25, has been offered to Tottenham via intermediaries, with the former Arsenal forward's future at Monaco uncertain. (Sun), external

Spurs are in contact with Manchester City about Brazil winger Savinho, 22, while they are also interested in Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, 27, and Eintracht Frankfurt's French attacking midfielder Jean-Matteo Bahoya, 21. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Tottenham are interested in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson but are yet to make a formal approach for the 25-year-old Senegal international, who is valued at £65m by the Blues. (Mail), external

Newly promoted Hull City are rivalling relegated West Ham for 27-year-old Tottenham and Israel winger Manor Solomon, who is valued at about £20m. (The i Paper), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Attacker Luca Williams-Barnett, 17, has been described by Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi as a "precious diamond" - and it is easy to see why.

Quick, skilful and always looking to get a shot away, the forward is playing as though he wants to break into the first team immediately.

The highlight was arguably his decision to take a Panenka penalty in the 4-2 shootout victory over Sydney FC last week.

He has impressed in all four of Spurs' friendlies so far. Centre-back Malachi Hardy, 18, is another youngster who has earned praise from De Zerbi and excelled in the 2-1 win over Chelsea.

Read more on youngsters to watch at each Premier League club this season

Liverpool have no plans to sell Cody Gakpo, 27, despite Tottenham making their interest in the Netherlands forward known. (Mail - subscription required), external

Tottenham's 18-year-old English winger Mikey Moore is on the verge of a loan move to Bundesliga side Cologne. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Should a club build a new stadium or upgrade its current home in a bid to maintain some history? How significant is a new ground in terms of revenue generated? Will it move the needle?

BBC Sport has worked with football finance expert Kieran Maguire to consider the impact a new home has.

Take a look at your club's matchday revenue figures from 2024-25 below and get the full article here.

Tottenham have made an initial approach worth up to £55m for Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, but the Turkish champions are looking for closer to £65m for the Nigerian. (Caught Offside), external

Spurs have held positive talks with Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, but the Reds have no intention of selling the Dutchman. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter in Sydney

Image source, Getty Images

Roberto de Zerbi says Tottenham will "have to respect" Richarlison's decision regarding his future this summer.

The 29-year-old scored a last-minute winner as 10-man Spurs beat Chelsea 2-1 to win the Sydney Super Cup, having seen Kevin Danso sent off just three minutes after coming on at half-time.

Richarlison tapped in from close range in the 92nd minute after Spurs midfielder Jamie Donley hit the post with a long-range effort, ending a sustained period of Chelsea pressure.

After the match, De Zerbi was asked whether Richarlison - who has entered the final year of his current contract - will remain at the club for the 2026-27 season.

"I don't know," he said. "I like him as a player and as a guy. He is unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour but, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do."

When pressed on whether the Brazil international wants to leave, De Zerbi added: "I don't know. I don't understand [the situation] well because sometimes he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave.

"We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem [between us], he is a lovely guy."

The Italian coach was keen to point out Richarlison's impact in a chaotic campaign which saw Spurs battle relegation.

"For me, he is still an important player," he added. "It is not easy to find another striker like Richarlison. He scores goals. He knows the way.

"He scored 12 goals last season, not because of luck but because he knows how to score."

The situation comes in the context of Spurs' record-breaking £237m transfer window, which is set to continue with the pursuit of two more attackers.

Sandro Tonali, who the club signed from Newcastle United for £100m this summer, featured on the scoresheet for the very first time with a deflected 20-yard shot in the 17th minute.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Who Tottenham might sign this summer to bolster Roberto de Zerbi's attack, after failing to adequately replace Harry Kane since his exit in August 2023, has been a question raised on our Spurs Ask Me Anything form.

Well, one of the club's primary attacking targets is Manchester City winger Savinho. The forward wants to join Tottenham and he is understood to have expressed his desire to leave Etihad Stadium for a move to London this summer.

There is some hope now that the clubs can reach an agreement for Savinho ahead of the deadline.

It is also understood that Bournemouth attacker Junior Kroupi is a long-term target for Tottenham - but a recent foot surgery, which will keep the youngster out for a minimum three months, is likely to see the interest shelved for the time being.

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

Find out more here

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter in Sydney

Image source, Getty Images

Conor Gallagher says it is "a lot more enjoyable" and a "fresh" feeling being a Tottenham player during pre-season.

The 26-year-old midfielder previously spoke about being played out of position, not being liked by former head coach Igor Tudor and losing confidence as Spurs narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign.

However, a club-record £237m investment has been made on players and Roberto De Zerbi, appointed in March following interim boss Tudor's exit, is finally implementing his style of play on a pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.

When asked about how it feels playing for Spurs this summer, Gallagher replied: "It's a lot more enjoyable not being in the situation we were in last season.

"It's a fresh start, fresh players, fresh faces. A new way of playing and trying to get everyone on the same page to understand how we play and what the manager wants us to do.

"In pre-season, that's what it's all been about. Understanding the way we want to play so we're ready for the season."

Spurs have twice broken their transfer record bringing in midfielders this window - first signing £85m Matheus Fernandes from West Ham United, before spending £100m to bring in Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.

However, although Gallagher has played a more advanced role during pre-season, he was still asked about increased competition in his position.

"Well, to be honest, I'm happy to play anywhere the manager wants me to play," he continued.

"The number 10, or as a number eight in the double-pivot is fine. I enjoy playing anywhere in midfield. When you play for a club like Tottenham, if there's not competition for a starting XI spot, then something's wrong.

"All the new signings are great lads. It's only going to make us stronger. We went through a really tough season last season and we're determined and hungry to improve as a team."

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter in Sydney

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi says his club's transfers bring "zero pressure" as he explained an argument with an Arsenal-supporting taxi driver.

On Thursday, the Italian teased an unnamed "bomba" signing as he continues his pursuit of Manchester City attacker Savinho, having already spent a club record £237m in the transfer window.

Having first broken the club record to sign Matheus Fernandes for £85m from West Ham, Spurs then broke it again days later by signing £100m midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.

Asked whether spending brings pressure, De Zerbi replied: "Zero pressure. You know why? Because one day a taxi driver in London stopped me to congratulate me on the transfer market. He said: 'Hey, you are spending a lot of money.'

"I said: 'But who are you a fan of?' Arsenal. You have spent the money for a long time in the past three or four years.

"Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, to stay at the top of the table, they have spent money. If you want to compete, now, we need to bring top players, like we are doing."

Spurs have also signed Jan Paul van Hecke for £52m from Brighton, along with free-transfer signings Marco Senesi from Bournemouth, Andy Robertson from Liverpool and Martin Dubravka from Burnley.

When further pressed on how ambitious Spurs can be, he said he would answer the question when the "transfer market closes".

Adding about his comments about a shock signing: "Bomba in Italian is different from bomb in English. I said we have to complete the transfer market. I think Tonali, Matheus Fernandes, Senesi, Robertson are bomba. For me, they are top players."

He further explained he is not taking risks with the fitness of James Maddison and Matheus Fernandes as they missed an open training session on Friday before Saturday's friendly against Chelsea at Sydney's Accor Stadium.

Alex Bysouth
BBC Sport senior journalist

Image source, Getty Images

There is a distinctly Brescian feel to N17 of late. While the Italian city's famous old club were effectively declared bankrupt this week, a footballing passion forged at Stadio Mario Rigamonti may be fuelling Tottenham's revival.

Roberto de Zerbi, the manager who saved Spurs from relegation last season, was raised on the terraces of Brescia's 'curva' by his father, Alfredo, who was president of the supporters' clubs. De Zerbi says he was "born an ultra".

Tottenham's Brescia connection runs through the playing squad too. Sandro Tonali, their new record signing, joined Le Rondinelle aged 12 and made his debut as a 17-year-old, helping Brescia return to Serie A before joining AC Milan in 2020.

De Zerbi says he followed the midfielder as he rose through the ranks at his boyhood club, and Tonali told BBC Sport about the bond they share.

"Brescia is so small. I had two weeks there and met him two or three times," he said. "We spoke about Brescia, about the difficult situation facing our club."

However, Tonali's £100m move threatened to pose a contentious issue in Italy.

Amid mounting debt and financial problems, Brescia Calcio, owned by Massimo Cellino, were excluded from professional football by Italian authorities last summer.

They were replaced by a new team in Union Brescia, who have taken on the mantle of the city's club and play at the same iconic ground graced by Roberto Baggio and Pep Guardiola, as well as De Zerbi and Tonali.

There were reports that Cellino may look to revive Brescia Calcio in some format with the club, having trained Tonali, potentially due a percentage of his transfer fee - about £3.5m - under Fifa's solidarity contribution scheme.

But that prospect seems to have died after Brescia Calcio were wound up in a court ruling., external

Read more on De Zerbi and Tonali's roots here

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter in Sydney

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham's £100m midfielder Sandro Tonali has revealed he "spoke with another team", but in the end the decision to join Spurs was an easy one.

"When you speak with a team, the first impression is a big thing and my impression was very positive," added the 26-year-old.

"When you are happy after a 10-minute chat, it's everything - everything is perfect.

"I spoke with my wife - this was the first thing. We wanted to change our life - but not just for the city, we wanted to change everything. We spoke with two clubs."

Tonali said moving to London represented about 10% of the attraction as he wanted his family to be happy, but said football, Roberto de Zerbi and Tottenham's recruitment staff made up the other 90% of his decision.

There was also further discussion about the transfer fee, what it means for him and Newcastle, and how it effectively priced him and his family out of a move back to Italy.

"We had decided to come back to Italy but it was impossible for the money," he admitted, explaining that clubs could afford his wages but not the transfer fee.

"England was our solution and we found the best solution in England for me, for my career, for my football, for my happiness, for my family. I spoke with two teams. I understood after 10, 15 minutes that Tottenham would be my next team."

At Spurs, he joins an Italian contingent within the coaching staff and links up with fellow Italy international Destiny Udogie, but he stressed the move was not motivated by any unhappiness during his time at Newcastle.

Unprompted, he said: "Eddie [Howe] was fantastic for me", adding that he wants to maintain a friendship with his former manager - who is also leaving the Magpies - and Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson.

While admitting the £100m price tag is something that will bring "a lot of pressure", he went on to explain that he wanted "the best deal" for Newcastle because they "deserve everything", while also praising the atmosphere at St James' Park and the passion of the club's supporters.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Djed Spence's uncertain future amid reports that manager Roberto De Zerbi wants to convince him to remain at Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

James: Keep Spence, sell Destiny Udogie. Udogie cannot stay fit and flatters to deceive when he plays. Djed is a better defender and, as demonstrated playing for England, he is a real threat going forward when given licence to do so. Djed also has a top mentality. I cannot understand why we would let him go.

Tim: It's unbelievable if Spence leaves. Andy Robertson will not give us the longevity, although he is a great player with experience. Just look at the way he tackles and the pace he has. Spence will be superb soon, if he isn't already.

Mark: If there's one player I want to remain at Spurs it's Spence. He's got everything you need in a modern full-back - pace, power and excellent technique. He absolutely loves defending and is great going forward. His pace gets us up the pitch. He was an absolutely warrior for England at the World Cup and proved any doubters wrong. We must 100% hang on to him.

Jerome: Spurs should definitely keep Spence. He is a quality player with a strut and arrogance that singles him out from the rest. If we let him go we will regret it.

Alan: Spence should start on the left ahead of Udogie. Both are good going forward but have defensive weaknesses. Spence showed at the World Cup he has more to offer and should continue to improve.

Josephine: After last season, I see a better one ahead and good signings set the ball rolling. I would really like Spence to stay. He more than showed how good he is while playing for England. A must for Spurs.

Sean: I'd keep Spence, play him on the wing and as additional full-back cover. He's pretty decent going forward.

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Roberto de Zerbi says his side are targeting another attacker signing alongside their pursuit of Manchester City's Savinho.

The Brazilian in advanced talks over a move to north London, with Spurs also pursuing another unnamed target.

De Zerbi omitted the name of the player by design - but it will leave Spurs fans guessing who it could be.

Arguably the biggest available name is Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, who is valued at more than £140m and exploring his options away from the European champions. Liverpool are believed to be preparing an opening bid for the France international, who has also been on Arsenal's radar.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has a £40m release clause in his contract, although his £325,000-a-week deal, which runs until 2028, could prove a stumbling block.

There is also a sense that, following his loan spell at Barcelona, the England international would prefer another move abroad after the Spanish champions opted against triggering a £26m option to buy.

Other potential targets could include Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, Chelsea's Pedro Neto or AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.

However, any suggestion remains speculative until Spurs reveal their hand or one of the clubs involved confirms an approach from chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange.