Tottenham's Pre-Season begins: A fresh start under De Zerbi.

Written by Aaron Mubanga 

Tottenham players returned to Hotspur Way on Friday, 10 July, as pre-season officially got underway. After two painful seasons that ended with 17th-place finishes and a battle for Premier League survival, there is finally a sense that something has changed. For the first time in years, Spurs are fully backing their manager. Roberto De Zerbi, who arrived midway through last season and steered the club to safety, is now being handed the resources to build something sustainable. The transfer business has been swift and ambitious, the squad is taking shape, and the club finally appears to have a clear direction.

We'll look at the returning players, the new signings, those who could be heading for the exit, how De Zerbi's football might finally take shape, and what supporters should expect from the weeks ahead. It's not a long article. You're welcome. Most readers don't finish articles they begin because most topics here don't require 300 pages of explanation. I'd rather make 7 short points you finish than one long one you give up on.

On We Go.

The Squad Returns.

Several first-team players reported back for pre-season, along with a number of new arrivals eager to begin life under De Zerbi. Not everyone is back just yet. Captain Cristian "Cuti" Romero, Marcos Senesi, and Spence remains away on international duty, Jan Paul van Hecke has been granted an extended break after his tournament involvement.

Mateus Fernandes has already joined the group, and Sandro Tonali is expected to link up with the squad once his work permit is completed. These are statement signings — technically gifted, progressive footballers recruited specifically to suit De Zerbi's demanding style. Established names such as James Maddison, Richarlison (who should be sold) and Manor Solomon (likely to leave) will also form part of the group as preparations continue. Now let's look at another side of Tottenham's summer — the players who may not be part of the project.. 

Potential Departures.

While new faces continue to arrive, others could be heading in the opposite direction.Lucas Bergvall, one of the club's brightest young midfield talents, has reportedly asked to leave in search of regular first-team football. It would be a disappointing departure for Spurs supporters, given his enormous potential.Several academy prospects are also expected to leave temporarily on loan to accelerate their development. Mikey Moore is among those strongly linked with a move, with Borussia Dortmund emerging as a potential destination. Spurs have shown a willingness to use strategic loans to prepare their young players for long-term first-team roles. As the transfer window progresses, there could still be movement both in and out before the final squad is assembled.

Now let me tell you about what de Zerbi is all about. 

Implementing True De Zerbi Ball 

Pre-season couldn't have arrived at a better time. During his opening seven matches in charge, De Zerbi was forced to prioritise results over philosophy as Tottenham fought to stay in the division. Survival came first. Identity had to wait now, with a stronger squad and a full pre-season at his disposal, Spurs supporters should finally begin to see what "De Zerbi Ball" really looks like. 

His football demands bravery in possession, intelligent movement, constant positional rotations and the confidence to invite pressure before breaking through it. It's a style that requires technically excellent players, which explains Tottenham's recruitment this summer. Van Hecke and Senesi are comfortable building from the back. Tonali and Fernandes offer control, progression and composure in midfield. Free transfers Andy Robertson and Martin Dúbravka bring valuable experience and depth to the squad. The pieces are beginning to fit together.

Next we'll look at the final piece of the puzzle.

One More Piece Up Front? Tottenham's attention now appears focused on strengthening the attack .The club continues to be linked with players such as Rafael Leão, Eli Junior Kroupi and Savinho — footballers capable of adding pace, creativity and goals to an attack that lacked consistency last season .Should even one of those deals materialise, Spurs would possess far greater balance from defence to attack and give De Zerbi even more tactical flexibility heading into the new campaign.

A Summer That Could Change Everything.

It has been a difficult couple of years, but this summer feels different. The club has moved decisively in the transfer market, backed its manager, and finally appears to be building a squad that reflects a clear footballing identity. Integrating so many new players will take time, and pre-season friendlies should offer the first real glimpse of what lies ahead. The foundations are there. The ambition is there.

Now comes the hard part.. turning potential into results. but perhaps that's the biggest question of all.
What really awaits Tottenham supporters this season?
Will this finally be the beginning of a genuine revival, or simply another chapter of rebuilding? Only the months ahead can answer that.