Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly targeting three players from his former club, Brighton & Hove Albion, as he prepares for his first transfer window with the North London side. According to the Independent, De Zerbi has identified Carlos Baleba, Jean Paul van Hecke, and Bart Verbruggen as potential reinforcements for Spurs.
De Zerbi took over at Tottenham late in the season, successfully guiding the club to safety in the Premier League. Now, with a full summer to work with, he aims to reshape the squad and avoid a repeat of their precarious position next season. A raid on Brighton appears to be central to his plans, with all three players having featured prominently under his management at the Amex Stadium.
Van Hecke made 50 appearances for Brighton under De Zerbi, while Baleba featured 37 times and Verbruggen 27 times. The Italian clearly trusts the trio, with Van Hecke ranking among his most frequently used players during his tenure. De Zerbi also oversaw the signings of Baleba for £23.3 million and Verbruggen for £17.3 million, both of whom were among his most expensive acquisitions.
Baleba’s market value has significantly increased since joining Brighton, a testament to De Zerbi’s judgment, and he is now reportedly valued at around £100 million. While this valuation could present a challenge, securing any of the three players would bring experienced individuals who are already familiar with De Zerbi’s tactical approach. Tottenham are also reportedly interested in Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth, potentially forming a new centre-back partnership alongside Van Hecke.
The potential arrival of these players could signal a shift in Tottenham’s defensive and midfield options. Cristian Romero is heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, and his departure, coupled with Micky van de Ven’s desire to remain at the club, creates space for new signings. Romero’s recent behaviour, including returning to Argentina and seemingly distancing himself from the club’s final game, suggests his exit is likely. These signings would strengthen Tottenham’s spine and provide De Zerbi with players he believes can quickly adapt to his system, potentially improving their performance next season.
