Spurs Buzzing as Fernandes Sets the Tone for De Zerbi’s New Dawn
Tottenham Hotspur have gone from clinging on to their Premier League status to walking into pre-season with a spring in their step. Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival has changed the temperature in N17 overnight, and the recruitment team have matched his ambition with a flurry of signings. The mood? Night and day compared to that final-day escape last term.
Fernandes steals the show
The early headline act is Mateus Fernandes. The 22-year-old has looked the part straight away, walloping a beauty in the friendly win over MK Dons before a sharp half-hour cameo in the 2-0 victory against Auckland in New Zealand. Football London’s Alasdair Gold reports that those inside Hotspur Way are buzzing about the Portugal international’s ceiling. On his YouTube channel, Gold suggested staff see an all-rounder with shades of Archie Gray’s versatility—only with a touch more experience—and the data they pored over is being backed up by what they’re witnessing on the grass. In short, the coaches believe he’s got the tools to grow into one of the standout midfielders around.
Defence rebooted, midfield upgraded
De Zerbi wants a brave back four and Spurs have given him options. Micky van de Ven is set to be joined in the battle for starting shirts by Jan Paul van Hecke, Kevin Danso and Marcos Senesi—four lively contenders for two berths. In front of them, Sandro Tonali and Fernandes look tailor-made for a possession-heavy, forward-thinking midfield. It’s a refresh that was sorely needed after seasons of shipping soft goals and lacking punch through the middle.
Attack next: Savinho pursuit and a Kroupi tug-of-war
The next box to tick is goals. Tottenham are pushing to land Savinho from Manchester City’s stable, but they may not stop there. Fabrizio Romano says Barcelona have opened talks for Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi—one of Spurs’ prime targets. Even if Savinho arrives, word is Tottenham would still fancy adding Kroupi, who fired 13 in 33 league outings as the Cherries marched into Europe for the first time in their history. Bournemouth won’t roll over; it’ll take serious money to shift the Frenchman.
Why this matters for De Zerbi’s blueprint
De Zerbi’s teams live on structure and bravery: split centre-backs, press-resistance in midfield and ruthless movement up top. Fernandes looks like the connective tissue—press-proof on the half-turn, clean in his passing, and not shy of a strike. If Tonali provides the metronome, Fernandes can add the thrust. The caveat is chemistry: bedding in a rebuilt defence and a new engine room takes time, and Spurs still need end-product in the front line. But for the first time in a while, there’s a clear plan—and players who fit it.
For supporters tracking the summer market and the odds, our guide to value and form begins with the best betting sites—handy reading before the next friendly kicks off and the rumour mill spins again.
Bottom line
Survival last season felt like a gulp of air; this pre-season feels like a deep breath of fresh optimism. If Spurs nail the attacking signings and Fernandes keeps up this trajectory, De Zerbi’s first campaign could be more than a reset—it could be a statement.
