De Zerbi Targets 'Bomba' After Spurs Break Transfer Record Twice

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi revealed Tottenham have completed 60% of their market project following a preseason penalty shootout victory against Sydney FC.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has announced the club is pursuing "another bomba" signing after already breaking their internal transfer record twice during the summer 2026 window. These comments follow a preseason friendly where Spurs required a penalty shootout to defeat Sydney FC. The North London club first eclipsed their spending ceiling by acquiring Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85 million ($113.7m), subsequently surpassing that figure with the recruitment of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle in a deal potentially worth £100 million ($133.8m).

De Zerbi, speaking at 06:48 AM ET on July 30, 2026, confirmed that the current squad overhaul is only partially finished. The Italian tactician stated that the club has completed 60% of its intended project in the transfer market. While the specific identity of the next target remains unconfirmed, Manchester City’s Brazilian winger Savinho has been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Shark Mentality in the Transfer Market

Describing his aggressive approach to recruitment, De Zerbi likened his behavior to that of a "shark" when he identifies a desired player for his system. He noted that once he decides on a target, he allows "no chance to say no" to the acquisition. The head coach dismissed the idea that high-stakes negotiations cause stress, instead characterizing the transfer window as one of the most enjoyable aspects of his professional role.

Regarding the timeline for the next major arrival, De Zerbi expressed hope that the deal is nearing completion but cautioned that the process is not yet finished. The term "bomba" is utilized by the manager to describe a sudden or unexpected high-profile transaction, a phrase frequently mirrored by supporters on social media platforms.

Squad Reconstruction and Free Agent Arrivals

Beyond the record-breaking expenditures on Tonali and Fernandes, Tottenham have bolstered their defensive options with three additional signings. Jan Paul van Hecke has joined the squad from Brighton, while veteran left-back Andy Robertson and defender Marcos Senesi both arrived at the club on free transfers. These moves coincide with De Zerbi’s firm stance on existing personnel, specifically regarding midfielder Lucas Bergvall. The manager stated, "I don't want to convince anyone to stay," when addressing the player's future.

Preparation for the Premier League Opener

Spurs are scheduled to begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign on August 22. This opening fixture will be a cross-London trip to face Brentford. The team enters the season following a busy summer of activity that has seen the club spend over £185 million on just two players. De Zerbi emphasized that the market remains open for further business, reiterating that the squad building process is "not finished, for sure" as they look to finalize the remaining 40% of their recruitment plan before the deadline.