Spurs’ Youth on the Brink as De Zerbi’s Rebuild Rolls On

Tottenham have been tearing through this window like a team with somewhere to be, and make no mistake, Roberto De Zerbi’s rebuild is very much on. Six signings already across the board — Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, Martin Dubravka, Mateus Fermandes and Sandro Tonali — and north London still isn’t shutting up shop. More firepower is expected before the deadline, with Manchester City’s livewire Savinho and Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi among the names on the radar.

Big outlay, bigger decisions

Spurs have splashed north of £235m and, as ever, the bill has to be balanced. Sales are part of the plan. Around £50m has already been banked for Luka Vuskovic’s move to Brighton, while Rad Dragusin, Alejo Veliz and Alfie Devine have also departed. That’s serious churn — and it’s not finished yet.

Bergvall saga: Forest won’t go away

Nottingham Forest tested Tottenham’s resolve with a £38m bid for Lucas Bergvall — knocked back, but don’t be surprised to see them return with something punchier. They want him as the heir to Manchester City-bound Elliot Anderson, and Spurs know there’s a healthy market for the Sweden international if they decide to deal.

Lankshear: the next youngster to go?

Here’s where it gets spicy. Alasdair Gold believes Will Lankshear could be the next academy product to move if someone meets Tottenham’s valuation. The 21-year-old, a 6ft 2 centre-forward, has six senior appearances under his belt for Spurs and shone on loan last season — 11 goals in 43 Championship outings with Oxford United after a stint with West Brom. By all accounts he’s filled out, toughened up and looks every inch a proper No 9.

There’s no shortage of admirers either: Sporting Lisbon have sniffed around, Wolves and Southampton too. Spurs have so far rebuffed approaches, but Gold says there’s a genuine chance the door opens if the right number lands on the table. And let’s be honest, that’s classic recruitment logic — cash in at the peak of interest, then reinvest in De Zerbi’s blueprint.

For those tracking the market as keenly as Spurs are, our rundown of best betting sites is a handy companion, but here’s the crux of it: if a club matches Tottenham’s price for Lankshear, the feeling inside N17 is he’ll be allowed to go. That’s the ruthless edge you need when you’re shaping a squad for the manager’s system.

Rogers prefers Arsenal — so Spurs look elsewhere

Tottenham admire Morgan Rogers, but the Aston Villa star’s heart is said to be set on Arsenal. Villa’s valuation — a hefty £130m — was always going to make this a slog, and with the player leaning to the other side of north London, Spurs are more likely to pivot to alternative wide options.

Pundit’s verdict

This window is about clarity and conviction. Spurs are recruiting with purpose, but the pathway has to be clear for youngsters — either into De Zerbi’s system or out for the right fee. Lankshear’s development has put him in the shop window; if someone pays up, Spurs won’t blink. As for Bergvall, Forest’s interest could yet force a decision. And on Rogers, there’s no point begging at a closed door — move on, stick to the plan, and keep the rebuild rolling.