Tottenham's Summer Rebuild: Senesi Signs, Robertson and Palhinha Next?

Tottenham have barely had time to exhale after escaping relegation. The relief is real, the danger passed – and now the rebuild begins at full speed.

Roberto De Zerbi walked away from the final day more thankful than triumphant. Survival was non‑negotiable; only with Premier League status secured could the club trigger the next phase of their summer plan. That plan is blunt and ambitious: three first‑team signings, done quickly, to drag this squad away from the trapdoor and back towards Europe.

Senesi first over the line

The first domino is already falling. Fabrizio Romano has delivered his trademark “Here We Go” on Marcos Senesi, confirming that the Bournemouth defender will join Spurs.

This is no sudden scramble. Senesi is understood to have had an agreement in place to move to north London once the season ended, contingent on Tottenham staying in the top flight. They did. The clause kicks in. The Argentine is on his way.

For Spurs, it’s a shrewd piece of business. A free transfer, Premier League‑ready, left‑sided, comfortable on the ball and hardened by a season spent fighting at the wrong end of the table. He knows what a relegation scrap feels like. Tottenham will hope he doesn’t have to experience one again in their colours.

De Zerbi wanted more steel and better structure at the back. Senesi gives him another starting‑level option, and crucially, does so without eating into the fee needed for a big midfield move.

Robertson: unfinished business with Spurs

The next target brings a sense of déjà vu.

TEAMtalk report that Tottenham are pushing to complete another Bosman deal, this time for Andrew Robertson, who has confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of his contract. Spurs tried to prise him away in January before Liverpool shut the door. Now that door is open again, and this time, there is no fee in the way.

The Scot, like Senesi, is also said to have had a provisional agreement to join Spurs in the summer, again dependent on the club preserving their Premier League status. With that box ticked, Tottenham are moving to finish what they started.

This is the type of signing De Zerbi has been crying out for: an experienced leader in the backline, someone who has lived the intensity of title races and Champions League nights. Robertson’s CV is exactly that. Multiple seasons at the very top, a Champions League, a Premier League title, and a relentless, high‑energy style that fits an aggressive, front‑foot coach.

Alongside Senesi, Robertson would reshape the defensive unit in one summer. Two free transfers, two players who know the league inside out, and two characters capable of raising standards in a dressing room that flirted dangerously with disaster.

If Tottenham truly want to claw their way back into the Champions League conversation – or at the very least secure a regular European berth – this is the profile they need: hardened, proven, and ready from day one.

Palhinha pursuit tests Spurs’ resolve

The more complicated move lies in midfield.

Joao Palhinha remains a major Tottenham target, with the club prepared to negotiate with Bayern Munich to bring him to north London. This is no quiet chase. The Portugal international is being heavily linked with three of the country’s biggest clubs, and there are suggestions he could favour a return home for family reasons.

That noise has created tension behind the scenes at Spurs. Lose out here, and they miss the chance to add one of Europe’s most combative holding midfielders, a player who could transform the balance of De Zerbi’s side. Land him, and the spine of the team suddenly looks far more imposing: Senesi behind, Palhinha screening, and a platform for the attacking talent to breathe.

Despite the competition and the emotional pull of Portugal, Tottenham are still confident they can put a deal together. Confidence, though, will have to meet hard negotiation. Bayern will not be in the business of charity, and Spurs know they must get this one right.

The defensive rebuild is taking shape. Senesi is coming. Robertson is within reach. Palhinha is the big swing.

Tottenham have escaped one kind of fight. The next one – for players, for identity, for a place back among Europe’s contenders – is only just beginning.