Tottenham Hotspur are accelerating their summer rebuild with a double defensive swoop, zeroing in on free-agent center-back Marcos Senesi while maintaining optimism over a deal for former Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson. The moves come as Spurs look to recover from consecutive 17th-place finishes and build a squad capable of climbing the Premier League table under Roberto De Zerbi.
The deal for Senesi is at an advanced stage. The 29-year-old Argentine international is available on a free transfer after his contract at Bournemouth expired, and Spurs moved swiftly to win the race ahead of several LaLiga and Serie A suitors. Senesi has long desired to remain in the Premier League and relishes the prospect of a move to London. With 128 appearances for Bournemouth across all competitions, along with six goals and ten assists, he brings a blend of physicality and ball-playing ability from the back—a profile that fits De Zerbi’s possession-heavy philosophy. His arrival would provide immediate competition and cover in central defense, an area that has been a weak point amid the club’s recent struggles.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s pursuit of Andrew Robertson represents an ambitious attempt to inject world-class experience into the squad. The 32-year-old Scotland captain left Liverpool after a glittering career that included Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup triumphs. Spurs first expressed interest during the January window, and despite late interest from Juventus, there is growing confidence that a deal can be finalized before Robertson leads his nation at the upcoming World Cup. The left-back position has been a long-standing issue for Spurs, and Robertson’s leadership, crossing ability, and defensive nous would address a critical deficiency.
Amid the external additions, Mathys Tel is signalling his intent to stay and fight for a future in north London. The 21-year-old forward endured a turbulent campaign, being overlooked for the initial Champions League squad by previous manager Thomas Frank, then shuffled in and out of the lineup. He also faced vile racial abuse on social media after missing a penalty in the Super Cup final shoot-out defeat to PSG. Yet under De Zerbi, Tel found a new lease on life. His energetic performance off the bench at Wolves in April turned the tide, and he followed that up with a goal in the 1-1 draw with Leeds—a match that encapsulated his redemption arc after earlier giving away a penalty. Tel’s desire for stability and the manager’s faith in him suggests he could be a key piece of Spurs’ forward line next season.
These moves highlight a clear strategy from sporting director Johan Lange and the recruitment team: blend proven, experienced winners with promising talent, all while operating smartly in the market. Senesi’s free transfer addresses the need for defensive depth without a major outlay, while Robertson’s potential arrival would bring a winning pedigree that has been sorely lacking in a dressing room that flirted with relegation.
For De Zerbi, a manager known for developing young players but also demanding high intensity and tactical discipline, the blend of a ball-playing center-back like Senesi and a marauding left-back like Robertson could unlock his system. Senesi’s ability to carry the ball out of defense and deliver pinpoint long passes adds a new dimension to Spurs’ buildup, while Robertson’s overlapping runs and delivery from wide areas could rejuvenate an attack that often looked blunt last season.
Tel’s commitment is equally significant. After a season marred by instability—working under four different head coaches in 18 months—the Frenchman’s decision to stay rather than seek a fresh start elsewhere speaks volumes about De Zerbi’s influence. His goal against Leeds and the willingness to track back on a lost cause at Wolves showed a resilience that resonated with the Italian coach. If Tel can carry that form into the new campaign, he could form a formidable partnership with the club’s existing forwards.
The implications for the Premier League are notable. Tottenham’s aggressive moves suggest they are not content to merely survive; they are aiming to re-establish themselves in the top half. Signing a Champions League winner in Robertson and a seasoned Premier League defender like Senesi sends a message to rivals that Spurs are serious about correcting their downward trajectory. Moreover, Tel’s renewal of confidence could provide the X-factor they desperately need.
Of course, challenges remain. Robertson’s age and potential wage demands must be managed, while Senesi will need to adapt to a new environment quickly. Tel must continue to deal with the mental toll of his earlier abuse and prove his consistency. Yet, the early indicators point to a busy and purposeful transfer window—one that could define De Zerbi’s tenure.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.