Roberto De Zerbi targets Brighton’s attacking trio as Tottenham plan a major rebuild
New Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi is planning a triple raid on his former club Brighton to spark a summer rebuild in North London.
After successfully guiding Spurs to Premier League survival on a dramatic final day of the season, the Italian tactician wasted no time in turning his sights on overhauling the squad.
It is reported that De Zerbi has identified a number of Seagull stars who will form the backbone of his new side.
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Roberto De Zerbi wants Baleba, Van Hecke and Verbruggen
According to a report from The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, midfielder Carlos Baleba, defender Jan Paul van Hecke, and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen are high on De Zerbi’s summer transfer wish list.
Spurs are desperate for defensive stability and a ball-playing goalkeeper who fully understands De Zerbi’s philosophy of being high-risk, building from the back.
Verbruggen fits that bill perfectly, despite recent heroics from young prospect Antonin Kinsky.
Meanwhile, the club’s recruitment team is keen to bring in Van Hecke and Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi to reshape a fragile backline.
There is an internal acceptance at Tottenham that landing all three will be very difficult, which will prompt the management to keep an eye on other options such as Andy Robertson of Liverpool, John Stones of Manchester City and Burnley stopper James Trafford.
Manchester United are interested in signing Baleba
Securing Carlos Baleba will undoubtedly be a tricky piece of business for De Zerbi.
The 22-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a meteoric rise, with Brighton notorious for tough negotiations, reportedly slapping a £100million price tag on their prized asset.
Worse for Tottenham, Manchester United are currently the favorites to sign the Cameroonian.
The Red Devils have been searching for Baleba for a long time to strengthen their football, and the lack of European football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season could seriously affect De Zerbi’s chances of winning the financial and sports bidding war at Old Trafford.
De Zerbi is already making an immediate impact at Tottenham
Ahead of the dreaded summer window, De Zerbi has already made an undeniable and historic impact at N17.
Arriving at the end of March to replace Igor Tudor with just seven games to go, he won the club with ease and stared into the abyss of disastrous relegation.
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Staying at the club’s training ground hotel and working tirelessly around the clock, the Italian completely revamped the broken dressing room.
By suppressing the media and restoring confidence to key figures such as Conor Gallagher and James Maddison, De Zerbi pulled off a managerial victory, scoring 11 points out of 21.
Sunday’s emphatic 1-0 win over Everton was ultimately salvageable, confirming De Zerbi as the most important man to lead Tottenham’s impending transformation.
