De Zerbi targets Brighton trio Baleba, Verbruggen and Van Hecke in Tottenham rebuild

Roberto De Zerbi has identified Carlos Baleba, Bart Verbruggen and Jan Paul van Hecke as his top transfer priorities at Tottenham Hotspur, with the new head coach looking to reunite with players he developed during his time at Brighton.

De Zerbi’s appointment in April was described internally as a “Hail Mary” move to keep Spurs in the Premier League, and the club hierarchy are now fully prepared to back him in the transfer market. His preference for the Brighton trio stems from their familiarity with his system — he regards them as “his players” who can quickly absorb his style of play.

Baleba is expected to be the most difficult deal to complete. Brighton are demanding in excess of £100 million for the Cameroonian midfielder, and Tottenham face competition from Manchester United. Verbruggen is wanted despite goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky’s recent strong performances, with De Zerbi valuing the Dutchman’s understanding of his goalkeeping demands. Van Hecke is targeted as one of two new centre-backs, alongside Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi.

Spurs are also monitoring Liverpool’s Andy Robertson following his departure from Anfield, with De Zerbi drawn to the experienced left-back’s leadership qualities. Manchester City’s John Stones is under consideration for similar reasons, though he would move higher up the list only if primary targets prove unattainable.

Micky van de Ven has indicated he wants to remain at the club and is expected to be central to De Zerbi’s defensive structure. Highly-rated teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic is set to sign a new deal before returning to Hamburg on loan, having impressed during their Bundesliga campaign — finishing as the division’s highest-scoring defender with six goals, posting the best duel success rate in the league at 69.1 per cent, and earning a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.

Tottenham’s secured Premier League status has already begun to open doors beyond the playing squad, with the club also exploring potential appointments in football leadership and executive roles.