Tottenham Hotspur

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Cody Gakpo finished last season with a higher expected-goals total (8.59), more shots (87), more assists (five) and more big chances created (10) than any of Spurs' forward options, despite playing in a Liverpool side whose Premier League title defence ended with a fifth-place finish.

Richarlison scored more league goals, but attempted 26 fewer shots and created only half as many big chances. Dominic Solanke, limited by injury, produced just 20 shots and one big chance created, while Mathys Tel also fell short across several of the key attacking measures. Randal Kolo Muani, who spent last season on loan at Spurs before joining Juventus this summer, likewise trailed Gakpo's output.

The contrast extends beyond goals and shooting. Gakpo recorded 187 touches in the opposition penalty area, compared with 125 for Richarlison, 68 for Tel and 55 for Solanke. His 4.17 expected assists from open play was also comfortably the highest figure among the four, underlining his ability to create chances as well as find scoring positions himself.

He offers defensive value too. Gakpo regained possession 87 times, including 45 in the middle third, and made 13 interceptions. All three totals were higher than those recorded by Richarlison, Tel and Solanke. Tel completed more dribbles, with 39 to Gakpo's 34, although Gakpo posted the slightly better success rate at 45.95%.

His broader profile reflects that breadth. Gakpo ranks in the 78th percentile for link-up play, the 75th for pass progression and the 67th for creative threat, illustrating his comfort combining in tight spaces and contributing to build-up play.

At 6ft 4in, he also provides a physical presence uncommon among wide forwards. Gakpo ranks in the 96th percentile for aerial volume compared with positional peers across Europe's top five leagues, meaning only about 4% of wingers contest aerial balls at a higher rate. That would give Roberto de Zerbi another route against deep defensive blocks, through diagonal passes, back-post crosses or more direct balls when opponents restrict Spurs' build-up play.

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Mohamed Moallim
BBC Sport Journalist

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Tottenham are keen on a move for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo as Roberto de Zerbi continues reshaping his squad.

Any deal would be far from straightforward. Liverpool are reluctant to weaken their attacking options, particularly after Mohamed Salah's departure and with Hugo Ekitike still recovering from an Achilles injury.

The Reds are themselves pursuing Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola but, even if he arrived, Liverpool would be losing one of their most experienced attackers.

So why are Spurs interested?

On the surface, Gakpo looks like another left winger. In reality, he offers considerably more tactical flexibility.

Although he has played most of his football for Liverpool from the left, the Netherlands international has regularly been used as a central striker, false nine and second forward. De Zerbi reportedly views him as someone capable of operating through the middle, dropping between the lines to link play before releasing runners beyond him.

That profile fits the Italian's football. Instead of relying on a traditional penalty-box striker, De Zerbi often asks his centre forward to vacate central spaces, combine with midfielders and create room for wide players to attack. Gakpo possesses the technical quality, close control and positional intelligence to perform that role while also providing cover on the left.

His versatility would also offer Tottenham valuable insurance across multiple positions. Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel are both natural central forwards, but neither provide the same ability to move seamlessly between the wing and the middle.

Read more here on why Tottenham are keen on Gakpo

Katharine Sharpe and Simon Casson
BBC Sport senior journalists

The 2025-26 Premier League and Championship seasons included the introduction of squad-cost ratio rules on a shadow basis, testing to see how a spending cap for squad costs set at a percentage of a club's total revenues might work.

These SCR regulations have now been permanently implemented for the 2026-27 season, replacing previous profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

Uefa has a 70% SCR cap for European competitions, so Premier League clubs who qualified for Europe fall in line with this limit.

Clubs who did not qualify for Europe, and so are only taking part in domestic competitions, are capped at 85% of their total revenue.

However, clubs can spend above the 85% limit by using a multi-year rolling allowance of 30%. This allows them to invest ahead of revenue and variance or sporting underperformance.

Every club will start this coming season on 85% + 30% allowance, so effectively 115%.

If a club spends 105% on their squad in 2026-27, it means they have used 20% of their allowance, and for 2027-28 their maximum spend before potential sporting sanction is 95%.

If a club spend less than 85%, they can increase the allowance again to the maximum of 30%.

Spending above 85% but under the allowance results in a financial penalty, whereas going over both the 85% and the allowance will land the club a fixed six-point deduction which increases by one point for every £6.5m spent over the 115%.

'Anchoring' was also trialled in 2025-26, which meant any club's spending could not exceed a multiple of income earned by the bottom-placed club - however this was rejected at a vote of Premier League clubs.

SCR was approved by a vote of 14 clubs to six, and was introduced alongside sustainability and systemic resilience (SSR) regulations.

SSR involves three tests that are applied throughout the season:

Working capital test - assesses short-term cash resources

Liquidity test - assesses medium-term liquidity and resilience

Positive equity test -assesses long-term financial health

The aim of the SCR and SSR regulations is to stop the richest owners providing endless funds to their clubs to sign new players, as any money injected this way does not count as seasonal revenue.

They will also aim to prevent clubs from overspending and accruing unmanageable losses.

Read more about the rules here

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Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Tottenham have undergone radical change over the past 12 months amid understandable fan anger, with new chief executive Vinai Venkatesham leading the organisation on behalf of the Lewis Family Trust.

Venkatesham, alongside technical director Johan Lange, is leading negotiations. Lange is the only senior figure from the previous regime to remain in post.

They are supported by director of football operations Rafi Moersen and new performance director Dan Lewindon, both of whom arrived from Manchester City's parent company, City Football Group.

Lewindon has been tasked with improving Spurs' injury record.

But Roberto de Zerbi is hands on in all areas of the club and says: "In the transfer market, when I want one player, I become like a shark. There is no chance to say no."

That approach has helped secure record deals for £85m Mateus Fernandes from West Ham and £100m Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.

"I love working in the transfer market. It's not a pressure, it's one of the nicest parts in my work, in my job," De Zerbi explained.

But where does that enjoyment come from?

"I don't know, maybe because when you take the decision, you take the responsibility. If the coach calls the player, you can build a special connection at the beginning.

"With Mateus Fernandes, I spoke with the mum, with the father."

De Zerbi told Fernandes' father that he would be his "second dad" and look after him in England.

Spurs also signed defender Jaan Paul van Hecke despite reported interest from Chelsea, having already beaten Manchester United and Manchester City to the two record-breaking midfielders.

Transfers are a world of game theory. Insiders have told BBC Sport that Spurs knew they had to be both aggressive and quick, with the first quality likely extending to fees, wages and De Zerbi's personal involvement in courting players.

After the 2-2 draw with Brighton in April, in which Georginio Rutter scored a 95th-minute equaliser to dent Spurs' survival hopes, De Zerbi revealed he messaged Van Hecke, who assisted the goal.

"You wanted to push down Tottenham for Brighton when you made the assist to Rutter, now you have to come to me, you have no choice," De Zerbi revealed.

For Tonali, De Zerbi detailed how he texted him the day after Spurs secured their Premier League status with a final-day win over Everton, before meeting him at his home in Brescia in what proved to be a decisive conversation.

Club staff then completed the deal following several further discussions.

Now he is teasing what he calls a final attacking "bomba", with moves for two forwards expected, including one for Manchester City's Savinho.

De Zerbi believes it would be wrong to suggest Spurs are spending irresponsibly.

He said he is under "no pressure" despite the Lewis family injecting £100m into the club in June because it was desperately needed, arguing that Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have all done the same in recent years.

Read more here

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter in Sydney

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Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi says forward Dejan Kulusevski is "fit and right", but remains cautious over a possible return date.

The Sweden international, 26, was not part of Spurs' pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.

However, he has stepped up his recovery programme over the summer in north London.

Speaking as part of a wider interview, De Zerbi explained Kulusevski's situation. The forward has not played for Spurs since May 2025.

"Kulusevski fit and right, he's one of the best players we have in the squad," De Zerbi said during his side's pre-season tour.

"I wouldn't like to put too much pressure on him or accelerate the rehabilitation process, but I hope he can be available as early as possible."

Spurs are also looking to sell former first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after signing Martin Dubravka on a free transfer from Burnley.

Antonin Kinsky and Dubravka have both featured under De Zerbi during pre-season, but the Italian said he has already decided on his number one goalkeeper.

"We start with Kinsky because he deserves to be the first-choice goalkeeper," De Zerbi added.

"He is another player with huge potential. He's mature, has personality and I believe in his qualities."

Spurs next face Spanish club Getafe at their training ground on Saturday as their pre-season preparations continue.

United States striker Folarin Balogun, 25, has been offered to Tottenham via intermediaries, with the former Arsenal forward's future at Monaco uncertain. (Sun), external

Spurs are in contact with Manchester City about Brazil winger Savinho, 22, while they are also interested in Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, 27, and Eintracht Frankfurt's French attacking midfielder Jean-Matteo Bahoya, 21. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Tottenham are interested in Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson but are yet to make a formal approach for the 25-year-old Senegal international, who is valued at £65m by the Blues. (Mail), external

Newly promoted Hull City are rivalling relegated West Ham for 27-year-old Tottenham and Israel winger Manor Solomon, who is valued at about £20m. (The i Paper), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Attacker Luca Williams-Barnett, 17, has been described by Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi as a "precious diamond" - and it is easy to see why.

Quick, skilful and always looking to get a shot away, the forward is playing as though he wants to break into the first team immediately.

The highlight was arguably his decision to take a Panenka penalty in the 4-2 shootout victory over Sydney FC last week.

He has impressed in all four of Spurs' friendlies so far. Centre-back Malachi Hardy, 18, is another youngster who has earned praise from De Zerbi and excelled in the 2-1 win over Chelsea.

Read more on youngsters to watch at each Premier League club this season

Liverpool have no plans to sell Cody Gakpo, 27, despite Tottenham making their interest in the Netherlands forward known. (Mail - subscription required), external

Tottenham's 18-year-old English winger Mikey Moore is on the verge of a loan move to Bundesliga side Cologne. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Should a club build a new stadium or upgrade its current home in a bid to maintain some history? How significant is a new ground in terms of revenue generated? Will it move the needle?

BBC Sport has worked with football finance expert Kieran Maguire to consider the impact a new home has.

Take a look at your club's matchday revenue figures from 2024-25 below and get the full article here.

Tottenham have made an initial approach worth up to £55m for Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, but the Turkish champions are looking for closer to £65m for the Nigerian. (Caught Offside), external

Spurs have held positive talks with Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, but the Reds have no intention of selling the Dutchman. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter in Sydney

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Roberto de Zerbi says Tottenham will "have to respect" Richarlison's decision regarding his future this summer.

The 29-year-old scored a last-minute winner as 10-man Spurs beat Chelsea 2-1 to win the Sydney Super Cup, having seen Kevin Danso sent off just three minutes after coming on at half-time.

Richarlison tapped in from close range in the 92nd minute after Spurs midfielder Jamie Donley hit the post with a long-range effort, ending a sustained period of Chelsea pressure.

After the match, De Zerbi was asked whether Richarlison - who has entered the final year of his current contract - will remain at the club for the 2026-27 season.

"I don't know," he said. "I like him as a player and as a guy. He is unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour but, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do."

When pressed on whether the Brazil international wants to leave, De Zerbi added: "I don't know. I don't understand [the situation] well because sometimes he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave.

"We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem [between us], he is a lovely guy."

The Italian coach was keen to point out Richarlison's impact in a chaotic campaign which saw Spurs battle relegation.

"For me, he is still an important player," he added. "It is not easy to find another striker like Richarlison. He scores goals. He knows the way.

"He scored 12 goals last season, not because of luck but because he knows how to score."

The situation comes in the context of Spurs' record-breaking £237m transfer window, which is set to continue with the pursuit of two more attackers.

Sandro Tonali, who the club signed from Newcastle United for £100m this summer, featured on the scoresheet for the very first time with a deflected 20-yard shot in the 17th minute.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Who Tottenham might sign this summer to bolster Roberto de Zerbi's attack, after failing to adequately replace Harry Kane since his exit in August 2023, has been a question raised on our Spurs Ask Me Anything form.

Well, one of the club's primary attacking targets is Manchester City winger Savinho. The forward wants to join Tottenham and he is understood to have expressed his desire to leave Etihad Stadium for a move to London this summer.

There is some hope now that the clubs can reach an agreement for Savinho ahead of the deadline.

It is also understood that Bournemouth attacker Junior Kroupi is a long-term target for Tottenham - but a recent foot surgery, which will keep the youngster out for a minimum three months, is likely to see the interest shelved for the time being.

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

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Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter in Sydney

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Conor Gallagher says it is "a lot more enjoyable" and a "fresh" feeling being a Tottenham player during pre-season.

The 26-year-old midfielder previously spoke about being played out of position, not being liked by former head coach Igor Tudor and losing confidence as Spurs narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign.

However, a club-record £237m investment has been made on players and Roberto De Zerbi, appointed in March following interim boss Tudor's exit, is finally implementing his style of play on a pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.

When asked about how it feels playing for Spurs this summer, Gallagher replied: "It's a lot more enjoyable not being in the situation we were in last season.

"It's a fresh start, fresh players, fresh faces. A new way of playing and trying to get everyone on the same page to understand how we play and what the manager wants us to do.

"In pre-season, that's what it's all been about. Understanding the way we want to play so we're ready for the season."

Spurs have twice broken their transfer record bringing in midfielders this window - first signing £85m Matheus Fernandes from West Ham United, before spending £100m to bring in Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.

However, although Gallagher has played a more advanced role during pre-season, he was still asked about increased competition in his position.

"Well, to be honest, I'm happy to play anywhere the manager wants me to play," he continued.

"The number 10, or as a number eight in the double-pivot is fine. I enjoy playing anywhere in midfield. When you play for a club like Tottenham, if there's not competition for a starting XI spot, then something's wrong.

"All the new signings are great lads. It's only going to make us stronger. We went through a really tough season last season and we're determined and hungry to improve as a team."