Premier League 2026-27 preview No 20: Tottenham
Tottenham enter the 2026-27 Premier League season under new manager Roberto De Zerbi after two disappointing 17th-place finishes, with Guardian writers predicting a significant improvement to sixth place. The turbulent recent past included Thomas Frank's tenure proving worse than expected despite European football, followed by a chaotic spell under Igor Tudor that brought Spurs close to relegation before De Zerbi's appointment offered fans a much-needed change of direction.
De Zerbi demanded and received greater control than at previous clubs Brighton and Marseille, along with substantial transfer investment, making Tottenham one of this summer's biggest spenders despite still lacking a top-level striker. New arrivals include Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Andy Robertson, with Savinho and Omar Marmoush also expected from Manchester City, while Cristian Romero has left. Financially, back-to-back 17th-place finishes hurt income, though a £100m August share issue and Champions League revenue of £71.6m provide some cushion; off the pitch, tensions persist between fans and the Joe Lewis family trust following Daniel Levy's departure.
- Tottenham back De Zerbi with major transfer spending after two 17th-place finishes.
- New signings include Tonali, Van Hecke, Fernandes and Robertson; Romero departs.
- Club faces financial strain and ongoing owner-fan tensions post-Levy.
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Tottenham are one of 20 clubs being previewed by Guardian writers ahead of the new Premier League season, which runs from 2026 to 2027. The club have had a rough few years, finishing 17th in the last two seasons despite winning a European trophy along the way, and have now appointed Roberto De Zerbi, previously of Brighton and Marseille, as their new manager after unsettled spells under Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor.
De Zerbi has been given more control over transfers and squad matters than he had at his previous clubs, and Tottenham have spent heavily this summer, bringing in players including Sandro Tonali, Andy Robertson and Mateus Fernandes, while letting Cristian Romero leave. The club still lack a recognised top striker, which is expected to be a key factor in how the season goes.
There is also context beyond the pitch: two poor league finishes have hit Tottenham's finances, though a share sale and Champions League earnings have helped offset this, and there remains friction between supporters and the Joe Lewis family trust, which controls the club, following the departure of longtime chairman Daniel Levy.