Roberto De Zerbi needs major additions to his squad, but Tottenham may have found a clever way to strengthen without spending huge transfer fees.
De Zerbi has already admitted that he wants to build a new Tottenham team this summer, suggesting that only 10 to 12 players in the current squad are guaranteed to fit into his long-term plans.
That leaves Spurs facing a huge rebuild following back-to-back seasons spent battling relegation. The club hierarchy have promised to back their head coach in the transfer market, but assembling a squad of the required quality will not be straightforward.
Tottenham will not have European football next season, while their finances and commercial appeal have taken a significant hit after finishing 17th in the Premier League for a second consecutive campaign.
As a result, finding value in the market could be more important than ever. And one route Spurs appear to be exploring already is the free-agent market, where there are several experienced players available who could strengthen De Zerbi’s squad without costing a penny in transfer fees.
Dusan Vlahovic and Harry Wilson could solve two key Tottenham problems
Two areas Tottenham desperately need to improve this summer are centre-forward and the wide attacking positions.
One name that continues to resurface is Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian striker has finally left Juventus after failing to agree on a new contract and is now available as a free agent. Spurs have been linked with Vlahovic on multiple occasions over the years, including during the January window and again this summer.
There is no doubt about his quality, given the 26-year-old still managed 12 goals and two assists from just 14 starts, despite an injury-disrupted campaign. Transfermarkt currently value him at around £30m.
However, the obvious concern is his salary as Vlahovic was Juventus’ highest-paid player on approximately £370,000 per week, and sporting director Giorgio Chiellini suggested his wage demands were the reason behind his departure.
Another interesting option is Fulham winger Harry Wilson. The Welsh international enjoyed an outstanding season, registering 19 goal contributions and earning Fulham’s Player of the Season award. Transfermarkt currently value the 29-year-old at approximately £22m.
That said, Wilson predominantly operates from the right wing, so if Tottenham succeed in their pursuit of Manchester City’s Savinho, interest in Wilson could cool considerably.
Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson have already shown the way
Tottenham have already reportedly completed two pieces of smart business in the free-agent market. Andy Robertson was officially announced on Friday as the club’s first signing of the summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Marcos Senesi is also expected to arrive in North London after agreeing a move earlier this year.
Senesi became available after allowing his Bournemouth contract to expire, with reports suggesting there was already a verbal agreement in place before the season ended, provided Tottenham secured Premier League survival. The Argentine defender is currently valued at around £22m by Transfermarkt and arrives following the strongest campaign of his career.
Andy Robertson, meanwhile, is set to leave Liverpool after cementing his status as a club legend at Anfield. Like Marcos Senesi, the Scotland captain is understood to have agreed to join Spurs months ago, with the move dependent on Tottenham avoiding relegation.
While Transfermarkt value the 32-year-old at £6.5m, his leadership and experience could prove just as valuable as anything he contributes on the pitch.
If Spurs do complete deals for Senesi, Robertson, Vlahovic and Wilson, they would be bringing in players worth more than £80m combined without spending a single pound on transfer fees.