Regardless of whether Tottenham Hotspur avoid relegation by May, new manager Roberto De Zerbi is expected to oversee a significant squad rebuild at N17 this summer.
Unlike Ange Postecoglou, who often pushed for experienced, ready-made signings, Spurs have already begun shifting toward a youth-focused recruitment strategy in recent seasons.
Last summer, the north London club spent £52m on Xavi Simons, while a year earlier, midfield prospects Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall were brought in. Although those signings took time to settle, younger players are now stepping up as senior figures struggle, and more high-potential additions are expected ahead of next season.
Despite a difficult campaign, there is optimism heading into 2026/27, with several loanees set to return, including Mikey Moore and Luka Vuskovic. Their futures, however, could hinge on whether Spurs remain in the top flight, as relegation may impact both retention and recruitment plans.
Even so, some players are reportedly open to joining regardless of the club’s fate. One such target is James Trafford of Manchester City, who is said to be keen on a move even if Spurs go down.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper is eager for regular first-team football after falling behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order this season, and wants to establish himself as a clear number one elsewhere. City are reportedly open to selling Trafford, despite re-signing him from Burnley last summer for £27m, with a fee of around £30m believed to be enough.
Trafford has now emerged as a key target for De Zerbi, with Spurs pushing to secure his signature amid uncertainty surrounding current first-choice keeper Guglielmo Vicario.
While the fee may seem high for a player who has spent much of the season on the bench, Tottenham would be investing in long-term potential—similar to their approach with Gray.
Like Trafford, Gray impressed in the Championship before making the step up. The goalkeeper also excelled during his time in England’s second tier, playing a crucial role in Burnley’s promotion push. After a difficult 2023/24 season that ended in relegation, he bounced back strongly, conceding just 16 goals in 46 matches the following campaign and producing an outstanding run of 12 consecutive clean sheets.
Tottenham’s goalkeeping situation has been a concern, with Vicario struggling for consistency and backup options failing to impress. Since the departure of Hugo Lloris, the club has lacked a reliable long-term presence between the posts.
At just 23, Trafford could provide that stability and become a cornerstone for the future—much like Gray is beginning to do in midfield.
