Roberto De Zerbi reveals how he convinced Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke to join Tottenham | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has revealed how he convinced Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke to join Spurs this summer.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium club signed the Dutchman for £52 million, while the Portuguese midfielder signed for £85m from West Ham.

De Zerbi reunited with Van Hecke having worked with him at Brighton & Hove Albion, and a message after the last game of the season – which ensured Spurs survived relegation – got the job done.

“With Mateus Fernandes, I spoke with his parents,” the Tottenham boss recently revealed.

“With JP, after the Everton game, I sent him a message: ‘You wanted to push down Tottenham when you made the assist to Georginio Rutter. Now you have to join me – yes or yes, you have no choice.’

“After the game, in my office at Tottenham stadium, I sent a message to my daughter, and then to JP.”

Spurs suffered a 2-2 draw against Brighton in De Zerbi’s second game in charge, with a 95th-minute equaliser denying the North London club crucial three points.

Van Hecke’s assist was a huge blow for Tottenham that day, but a 1-0 victory over Everton on the final matchday of the campaign was enough to ensure safety.

The Netherlands international will now be looking to help Spurs reach the next level next season after almost getting them relegated.

De Zerbi has strengthened in midfield and defence and will now look to bolster his attacking ranks in the coming weeks.

Tottenham will focus on winning one of the three domestic trophies this season having missed out on European football.

They have the squad to get the job done and De Zerbi will fancy his chances of winning silverware in 2026-27.