Tottenham's terrifying XI if Roberto De Zerbi pulls off two more major signings
· Ben Crawford · 2026-08-16T04:36:00+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Tottenham's terrifying XI if Roberto De Zerbi pulls off two more major signings
Tottenham's Premier League opener is fast approaching and Roberto De Zerbi's squad could look formidable with two more additions.
Tottenham have less than a week until they travel to Brentford for their Premier League curtain raiser. And Roberto De Zerbi's team could strike fear into their opponents' hearts if they make two more statement signings.
After consecutive 17th-place finishes and a desperate battle with relegation last term, Spurs bosses said enough is enough this summer and fronted some funds. So far, the club has spent £237million. Jan Paul van Hecke was signed from Brighton for £52m and Mateus Fernandes was snapped up from the relegated West Ham for a whopping £85m. That fee was a club record for all of four days before Tottenham signed Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for a total of £100m.
Alongside these additions, free agency has also been a valuable tool for Spurs. They have welcomed in Andy Robertson from Liverpool, Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth and Martin Dubravka from Burnley, all on free transfers.
But with just two more pricey signings, the Tottenham who were dangerously close to dropping into the Championship last season would become a force to be reckoned with. Express Sport examines what De Zerbi's starting XI could look like.
To begin, buying a new striker would be a luxury, with Dominic Solanke still very capable. But if Spurs want to make a real statement in N17, snapping up one of Europe's finest would do the trick. Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen has been discussed as a potential option and with his valuation reported at £55m, he wouldn't break the bank.
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At least when compared to some of the club's other summer arrivals. Osimhen's wages could prove an issue though and signing such a big name brings a host of risks. But this transfer would get bums in seats at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Since Harry Kane's exit, those who congregate along the Goal Line Bar have called out for a star striker and Osimhen could be that player. It is understood that a summer deal is unlikely, but if things accelerate, the 27-year-old Nigerian would bring a whole different dynamic to De Zerbi's frontline.
The other signing who could revive Spurs is Savinho. Since January, the club have tried to sign Manchester City's Brazilian winger. Whilst five goals and 21 assists in 82 appearances don't jump off the page, with regular playing time, the 22-year-old could shine in north London.
It is expected that Spurs will sign Savinho for between £65m and £85m. This seems steep, but Tottenham need someone who can play out left and cover for the stricken Mohammed Kudus on the right as well. So, if these two are added, what does De Zerbi's deadly starting XI look like?
Antonin Kinsky gets the nod in goal after some heroics near the back end of last season. He has a campaign to prove himself and if he falters, Martin Dubravka has looked like a capable deputy in pre-season. World Cup winner Pedro Porro will start at right-back with Djed Spence Inter Milan-bound and new man Van Hecke can partner Micky van de Ven in central defence.
Destiny Udogie starts at left-back with Robertson there if needed. In midfield, Tonali and Fernandes will be the anchors, adding some solidity to an area that has plagued Spurs in recent seasons. The No. 10 is a tricky one, however. James Maddison would probably start if fit, so we can include him in here for now.
Xavi Simons will also lay a claim to the role and if both are sidelined, then Conor Gallagher has been operating here in pre-season. That leaves us with the attacking trio of Savinho, Osimhen and Kudus. Mathys Tel, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert will all be exceptional off the bench too, when they return to full fitness.
Tottenham's terrifying starting XI: Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie; Fernandes, Tonali, Maddison; Kudus, Osimhen, Savinho.