Tottenham Hotspur are expected to make significant changes to their squad this summer and, based on recent transfer links, Spurs could line up very differently by the start of next season.
Tottenham survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, only avoiding the drop by two points after securing victory over Everton on the final day of the campaign.
It was not a season to be proud of, nor one to celebrate excessively, with many associated with Tottenham simply relieved that the worst-case scenario did not unfold.
However, after back-to-back 17th-place finishes, it does feel as though Spurs’ luck could soon run out and, unless major changes are made, it may not be long before the Lilywhites become a Championship side.
Now is the time to rebuild and, according to a statement from the Lewis family, investment is expected to be made into the first-team squad as Spurs aim to return to competing with the very best.
Transfer reports over the last couple of weeks do suggest the club’s words could be backed by action. Jan Paul van Hecke has been linked with Tottenham after a bid was submitted, Andy Robertson has already signed, and there remains an expectation that more arrivals will follow.
Spurs Web has now taken a look at how Tottenham could line up based on the latest transfer speculation.
Tottenham could build around Jan Paul van Hecke next season
In goal, we expect Antonin Kinsky to keep his place after playing a crucial role in keeping Tottenham in the Premier League with several stunning saves.
One of Kinsky’s saves against Leeds United was even included among the Premier League’s saves of the season.
He kept Guglielmo Vicario out for the final two matches and, with Vicario’s future uncertain amid interest from Inter Milan, Kinsky could now establish himself as Spurs’ first-choice goalkeeper.
At right-back, we have Pedro Porro – that is, of course, if the Spaniard is not poached this summer. Both Manchester City and Real Madrid are said to be interested in signing Porro, while Tottenham remain reluctant to let the full-back leave.
At centre-back, we could see the first major change in Spurs’ backline. It could well become an all-Dutch partnership should Tottenham secure Jan Paul van Hecke’s signature.
While Spurs’ initial bid for the Brighton defender was rejected, Spurs Web has since reported that Tottenham are preparing a second van Hecke offer.
The 25-year-old would not be stepping into an unfamiliar partnership either, having already played alongside Micky van de Ven for the Netherlands national team.
Van Hecke’s potential arrival also hints that Cristian Romero could depart north London amid interest from Spain.
At left-back, Destiny Udogie remains the obvious choice, although new signing Andy Robertson is expected to provide strong competition and added depth in the position.
Tottenham front three could completely change under Roberto De Zerbi with Savinho and Vlahovic
In midfield, Spurs could line up with a pivot partnership of Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall.
Joao Palhinha, whom Roberto De Zerbi previously described as “one of the best”, is set to return to Bayern Munich following the expiration of his option-to-buy clause.
Sporting CP are now leading the chase for Palhinha, although it remains unclear whether Spurs will reopen negotiations for the 30-year-old.
James Maddison is back after missing a significant chunk of last season with an ACL injury, and we expect him to occupy the number 10 role. Xavi Simons would meanwhile wait in the wings as he continues his own recovery.
In attack, Spurs could field an entirely new-look front three, with Mohammed Kudus on the left, Dusan Vlahovic through the middle and Savinho on the right.
Vlahovic is now a free agent after failing to agree on a new deal with Juventus, and Spurs could similarly move for him, as they did with the Robertson and Marcos Senesi deals.
Spurs Web has already reported on Tottenham’s interest in Savinho and, while an official bid has not yet arrived, Spurs appear determined to land the Manchester City winger.
Here is our predicted XI: Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Bergvall, Maddison; Kudus, Vlahovic, Savinho