Tottenham Hotspur are setting the stage for a transformative summer following a nail-biting escape from relegation in the 2025-26 Premier League season. After clinching safety on the final day, the club has wasted no time moving aggressively in the transfer market, with two high-profile free signings—Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson—poised to become the first additions of the Roberto De Zerbi era.
The story of Tottenham’s recent struggles is well known. The North London side endured a turbulent campaign, finishing 17th and only securing their Premier League status with a tense 1-0 victory over Everton on the last day. The appointment of Roberto De Zerbi in April 2026 proved to be the lifeline Spurs desperately needed, as the Italian manager picked up 11 points from his first seven matches, steering the club clear of the drop zone. As the dust settled, the message from Tottenham’s hierarchy was clear: major reinforcements are needed to restore the club’s competitive edge.
Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham didn’t mince words when speaking to BBC Sport on May 28, 2026. “The squad needs work and the squad hasn't got the right balance. We need experience and leadership and also that kind of physical robustness to play in the most demanding league that exists. We need to strengthen the club over multiple transfer windows but this transfer window, in particular, is going to be critical.”
Enter Marcos Senesi, the 29-year-old Argentina international who has been a mainstay in Bournemouth’s defense since his arrival from Feyenoord in 2022. Senesi’s consistency was on full display this past season, as he featured in 37 league matches, contributing five assists and helping Bournemouth achieve a historic sixth-place finish—securing European football for the first time in their history. Over his four-year stint on the south coast, Senesi racked up 128 appearances, establishing himself as a reliable and versatile centre-back.
Despite Bournemouth’s efforts to retain him—reportedly offering three separate contract extensions—Senesi opted to seek a new challenge, rejecting the Cherries’ advances and opening talks with other clubs. The competition for his signature was fierce, with multiple Premier League sides expressing interest. However, Tottenham quickly emerged as the frontrunners, advancing negotiations to an ‘almost complete’ stage as of May 28, 2026. BBC Sport reported that while personal terms were “yet to be finalized,” a deal was moving swiftly toward completion.
Senesi’s move is viewed within the club as a shrewd piece of business. Not only does he arrive on a Bosman free transfer, but he also brings depth and international pedigree to a defense that has been under scrutiny. With speculation swirling around the future of fellow Argentina international Cuti Romero, Senesi’s arrival ensures that the club maintains a strong South American presence at the back. As one Tottenham fan outlet put it, “Senesi is a good defender and although Spurs won’t have European competition and will be playing in fewer matches, he’s solid depth and a good rotation option, at a minimum.”
But Senesi isn’t the only reinforcement on the way. Andy Robertson, the 32-year-old Scotland international and former Liverpool stalwart, has also agreed to join Tottenham on a free transfer. After making his final appearance for Liverpool on the last day of the season, Robertson found himself the subject of late interest from Serie A giants Juventus. However, Spurs managed to fend off the Italian club’s advances, reaching a verbal agreement and scheduling a medical to finalize the move. According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, “Tottenham have received the final green light. Following the verbal agreement that he would join on a free transfer if Tottenham stayed in the Premier League, as reported in our Transfer Update show. Medical scheduled.”
Robertson’s signing is seen as a major coup for Tottenham, who had previously tried to lure him during the winter transfer window. The veteran left-back brings a wealth of Premier League and Champions League experience, and his leadership qualities are expected to be invaluable as De Zerbi looks to reshape the squad’s mentality and resilience. “Robertson, wanted by #THFC last January and again now with De Zerbi. It’s happening,” Fabrizio Romano declared on X, echoing the excitement among Spurs supporters.
The arrival of both Senesi and Robertson signals a clear intent from Tottenham’s management to bolster the squad with seasoned professionals. The club’s near miss with relegation has prompted a commitment to significant investment and a recalibration of transfer priorities. In addition to the confirmed free transfers, Tottenham are reportedly targeting further reinforcements, including a trio of Brighton players—Carlos Baleba, Jan Paul van Hecke, and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. While landing all three may prove challenging, especially with Manchester United tracking Baleba and Brighton valuing him at a hefty £100 million, the ambition is unmistakable.
Behind the scenes, De Zerbi and his staff are working tirelessly to identify players who can fit his tactical approach and help Spurs avoid a repeat of last season’s woes. The Italian’s preference for a ball-playing goalkeeper has put Verbruggen at the top of his wishlist, while van Hecke is seen as a potential partner for Senesi in the heart of defense. The club’s scouting network is also monitoring other targets, including Manchester City’s Savinho, as Tottenham look to add both depth and dynamism across the pitch.
For a club that has prided itself on attacking football and high expectations, the events of the past year have been a sobering reminder of the Premier League’s unforgiving nature. Yet, with the arrival of De Zerbi and a renewed transfer strategy, there’s a sense of cautious optimism in North London. The hope is that the blend of proven Premier League performers and emerging talents can restore Spurs to the upper echelons of English football.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Tottenham fans will be watching closely to see if the club can complete the formalities for Senesi and Robertson and add further reinforcements. With the memory of relegation fears still fresh, every signing feels like a step toward a brighter, more stable future. The next chapter for Spurs is already taking shape, and the anticipation is palpable as the De Zerbi era truly begins.