Tottenham Hotspur’s summer rebuild could see a completely new-look starting XI, with Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and three other signings potentially transforming the side.
Tottenham Hotspur have been busy for most of this summer transfer window, much to the delight of their supporters.
Work is being done to avoid another mediocre Premier League finish after consecutive 17th-place finishes in the last two campaigns.
Those higher up are also looking to provide the club with what it needs to build a squad capable of competing, following consecutive £100m injections from the Lewis family.
Spurs fans want action, and in a bid to talk the talk and walk the walk, Tottenham have already completed four new signings this summer.
Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka arrived on free transfers, while Jan Paul van Hecke became the club’s biggest purchase so far, joining from Brighton for £52m.
Further additions are expected as the window progresses, with Spurs linked to both Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. Securing deals for the two midfielders would require a significant outlay, potentially costing Tottenham as much as £185m.
Should Tottenham land both Tonali and Fernandes, that would take their signings to six, meaning their starting line-up could look very different on the opening day of the Premier League when they face Brentford.
Spurs Web has attempted to predict how Spurs could line up with at least five of the players they have been linked with.
How Tottenham could line up with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes
In goal, Antonin Kinsky is expected to keep his spot after an impressive final seven games under Roberto De Zerbi last season.
The Czech international played a crucial role in Spurs’ fight for survival, producing key saves against Wolves and Leeds United.
His heroics are now being rewarded, with Tottenham working to improve Kinsky’s contract to reflect his importance.
With Kinsky set for a bumper new deal and Dubravka signed as backup, Guglielmo Vicario’s time in north London could be coming to an end.
| Stat | Premier League | EFL Cup | UEFA Champions League | FA Cup | UEFA Super Cup | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 7 | 2 | 1 | – | – | 10 |
| Goals Conceded | 7 | 2 | 3 | – | – | 12 |
| Clean Sheets | 2 | 1 | 0 | – | – | 3 |
| Yellow Cards | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Second Yellow Cards | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Red Cards | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Minutes Played | 630′ | 180′ | 17′ | – | – | 827′ |
At right-back, Pedro Porro remains the first choice. The Spaniard is currently away with the national team, but that did not stop speculation linking him with Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Spurs have since tied Porro down to a new deal, ensuring he stays as their starting right-back.
At centre-back, van Hecke could be the first major change, partnering Dutch compatriot Micky van de Ven. That pairing could spell the end of the van de Ven–Cristian Romero partnership, with Romero linked with a move away.
Van Hecke is enjoying a strong World Cup with the Netherlands and is already proving his worth after Tottenham’s £52m investment.
At left-back, Spurs now have options. Destiny Udogie is expected to remain first choice, but Andy Robertson provides a natural and experienced backup, giving De Zerbi more depth in the position.
Spurs midfield and attack with new signings
In midfield, the signings of Fernandes and Tonali could allow Tottenham to play in a 4-2-3-1 with two pivots.
The pair’s flexibility and versatility would also suit a 4-3-3, giving De Zerbi tactical options. Spurs Web have analysed statistics showing that, based on last season’s performances, Tonali and Fernandes would elevate Spurs’ midfield significantly.
| Player | Duel % Rank | Possession Won Rank | Progressive Carries Rank | Forward Passes Rank | Forward Pass % Rank | Key Passes Rank | Progressive Passes Rank | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mateus Fernandes | 1st | 2nd | 2nd | 1st | 2nd | 2nd | 1st | 3,302 |
| João Palhinha | 2nd | 1st | 7th | 2nd | 5th | 7th | 2nd | 2,486 |
| Lucas Bergvall | 7th | 7th | 1st | 7th | 7th | 5th | 7th | 1,085 |
| Archie Gray | 6th | 6th | 4th | 4th | 4th | 3rd | 3rd | 1,673 |
| Conor Gallagher | 5th | 5th | 5th | 5th | 3rd | 1st | 4th | 1,328 |
| Pape Matar Sarr | 4th | 3rd | 3rd | 6th | 1st | 4th | 5th | 1,613 |
| Rodrigo Bentancur | 3rd | 4th | 6th | 3rd | 6th | 6th | 6th | 2,077 |
Up front, the attack could also see changes. Mohammed Kudus is expected to take his place on the left after missing the World Cup due to surgery.
Dominic Solanke should lead the line as centre-forward, while Spurs could add a new winger in Savinho. The Manchester City man continues to be linked with Tottenham and could be available for a discounted £60m fee this summer.
In all, Tottenham’s final XI with five new signings could look like this against Brentford: Kinsky; Porro, van Hecke, van de Ven, Robertson; Tonali, Fernandes, Maddison; Kudus, Solanke, Savinho.