De Zerbi Confirms More Spurs Signings Ahead of Savinho Deal
Roberto De Zerbi insists Tottenham are nowhere near done in the transfer market, even as the club edges towards one of the deals of the summer.
Speaking on the eve of Spurs’ 2026-27 Premier League opener away to Brentford, the Italian cut a relaxed but razor-focused figure, refusing to name names while the club works on what is expected to be an £85 million move for City winger Savinho.
The deal is not over the line yet, and De Zerbi has no intention of getting ahead of the paperwork.
"It's not right to speak about the players until they are official," he told reporters. "Just to say, I'm very happy. We have not finished yet in the transfer market."
That last line landed with intent. Spurs have already spent heavily, but the head coach made it clear the rebuild is still in motion.
Praise for recruitment – but a warning shot
De Zerbi could not hide his satisfaction with the business done so far, particularly the profile and mentality of the players walking through the doors at Hotspur Way this summer.
"It's an important part, I think, because so far we have had a great summer of signings – great players, great behaviour, great spirit, great personality."
Those four words – behaviour, spirit, personality, players – tell the story. Tottenham are not just stockpiling talent; they are trying to wire a dressing room that can withstand a 38-game slog at the top end of the Premier League.
Savinho, if and when he arrives, would be the headline act in that push. An £85m fee brings glamour and pressure in equal measure, and the excitement around the Brazilian is already crackling among supporters.
‘You don’t win with names’
The Italian has seen enough superteams fall flat to know how dangerous it is to believe the league table responds to transfer fees.
"You know better than me in the Premier League, you don't win the game with the names, with the big players," he said. "There are a lot of examples in the last years in the Premier League."
The message was blunt. Reputation will not save anyone when the tempo spikes away at Brentford, or under the lights in a London derby. For De Zerbi, the real work starts after the photoshoots and welcome videos.
"We have to deserve to win the game," he continued, laying down the standard. "And to deserve to win the game, we have to reach a high level in character, in passion, in value and in the style of play as well."
Character. Passion. Value. Style. Four pillars he keeps returning to, and the criteria by which every new signing – Savinho included – will be judged.
Spurs may yet land their £85m winger. The bigger question is whether De Zerbi can turn this expensive, carefully assembled squad into a side that actually lives up to his demands when the season kicks off in west London.
