Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham's Transfer Market Ambitions

Roberto De Zerbi insists Tottenham are not done yet in the transfer market – even as the club edges towards one of the biggest deals of the summer.

Speaking on the eve of Spurs’ 2026-27 Premier League opener away to Brentford, the Italian cut a controlled but clearly excited figure as he addressed talk of an £85 million move for Manchester City winger Savinho.

De Zerbi plays it cool on Savinho – but the message is clear

The deal for the Brazilian has dominated the build-up. An £85m swoop, another statement signing, and the latest headline moment in a lavish window for the London club.

De Zerbi refused to bite on the specifics.

"It's not right to speak about the players until they are official," he told reporters. No names, no confirmations. But the smile between the lines was obvious.

"Just to say, I'm very happy. We have not finished yet in the transfer market."

That last line landed with weight. Spurs, already deep into a major spending spree, are still moving. Still hunting.

Character over price tags

De Zerbi repeatedly steered the conversation away from fees and reputations and back towards something less glamorous but, in his mind, far more decisive.

"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."

He lingered on those final words. Behaviour. Spirit. Personality. For a club chasing a return to the elite, he made it clear the recruitment drive has not just been about talent.

The buzz around Savinho is huge. A young, electric winger from City, a fee that screams ambition, a fanbase desperate for a new hero. Yet De Zerbi moved quickly to pour cold water on the idea that money alone changes anything once the whistle blows.

"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 warning was unmistakable. Spurs have seen this before. So has the league.

A demand for proof on the pitch

For De Zerbi, the real work starts now. Not in the boardroom. On the grass.

"We have to deserve to win the game," he continued. "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."

That is the bar. Not the transfer fee. Not the social media unveiling. A high level in character. A high level in passion. A high level in the way Spurs play.

As the club closes in on Savinho and keeps the door open for more arrivals, the message from the head coach cuts through the noise: Tottenham can spend big, but this season will be defined by who stands up when Brentford, and everyone after them, test that character for real.