EPL Index
·9 June 2026
Spurs Make Their Move as Defensive Rebuild Begins

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·9 June 2026

Tottenham’s summer has begun with a decision that feels both sensible and revealing. As reported by The Athletic, Spurs have now confirmed the signing of Andy Robertson from Liverpool, with the Scotland captain leaving Anfield at the end of June after nine years of trophies, authority and relentless running.
For a club often accused of acting too late, this feels unusually clear. Tottenham conceded 56 Premier League goals in 2025-26, the fourth-worst figure in the division behind the three relegated sides. That number tells its own story. Spurs had talent, they had moments, they had ambition, but they did not have enough control.
Robertson’s arrival addresses a problem that had become impossible to ignore. Destiny Udogie remains the natural first-choice left-back, but injuries have shaped too much of his recent story. He has played only 45 of Tottenham’s last 76 league matches, a worrying return for such an important position.
Djed Spence has filled in admirably at times, but he is right-footed and can look uncomfortable on the left. Robertson changes that equation. He brings balance, experience and the sort of competitive edge that does not need explaining.
At 32, he is not arriving as a long-term project. He is arriving as a corrective measure.

Photo IMAGO
There is a pattern forming. Marcos Senesi is expected to sign a four-year deal, giving Roberto De Zerbi another left-sided centre-back option alongside Micky van de Ven. Spurs have also made an official offer for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, though The Athletic reports that it did not meet Brighton’s valuation. Talks are continuing.
That pursuit has added significance because Cristian Romero’s future remains uncertain. The Argentina international, currently at the World Cup, could leave this summer. Spurs appear determined to avoid being caught cold.
Romero’s departure would be seismic, but replacing him after the fact would be reckless. Tottenham are trying to move before the market moves against them.
Once the defensive work is further along, Spurs are expected to look at midfield and left wing. Joao Palhinha remains a serious option after an encouraging loan spell from Bayern Munich, having scored five league goals, including winners against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton.
Hayden Hackney is admired, although his preference is believed to be Everton. That may leave Spurs searching elsewhere for midfield energy and security.
There are also outgoings to resolve. Guglielmo Vicario, Richarlison, Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma and Ben Davies all face varying degrees of uncertainty. Will Lankshear, after scoring 11 goals in 44 appearances on loan at Oxford United, could yet force his way into De Zerbi’s plans.
From a curious Spurs supporter’s perspective, this feels like a grown-up window so far. There is no noise for the sake of noise, no shiny signing designed purely to win the morning. Robertson is not glamorous in the usual transfer-market sense, but he might be exactly what Tottenham have needed.
Spurs have had too many seasons where the defence looked like a collection of talented individuals rather than a settled unit. Robertson brings title-winning habits. He has played in the biggest matches, survived the most demanding tactical environments and carried responsibility for club and country. That matters.
The Van Hecke pursuit is equally interesting. If Romero leaves, Spurs need a defender with composure, aggression and Premier League familiarity. Waiting until Romero is gone would risk panic. Acting now suggests planning.
The big question is whether this defensive reset comes with attacking conviction later in the window. De Zerbi’s football needs technical security, bravery in possession and defenders who can build under pressure. Robertson, Senesi and potentially Van Hecke all point in that direction.
For once, Tottenham’s transfer logic looks coherent. It might not be spectacular yet, but it feels connected. For Spurs fans, that alone is worth noticing.







































