De Zerbi on Spurs Recruitment: Names Don't Win Matches

Roberto De Zerbi insists Tottenham’s transfer business is far from over – and just as firmly insists it guarantees nothing.

Speaking on the eve of Spurs’ 2026-27 Premier League opener away at Brentford, the Italian cut a satisfied but sharp figure, clearly thrilled with what has been done in the market while refusing to be drawn on what comes next.

The London club are closing in on an £85 million move for City winger Savinho, a statement signing in a summer already defined by heavy spending and high-profile arrivals. The Brazilian is expected to become the latest headline act in a rebuilt squad designed to push Tottenham back among the elite.

De Zerbi, though, would not be the one to confirm it.

“It’s not right to speak about the players until they are official,” he told reporters. “Just to say, I’m very happy. We have not finished yet in the transfer market.”

That was as close as he came to acknowledging the Savinho deal directly. The smile did the rest.

What he did want to talk about was character. Not price tags. Not social media buzz.

“It’s an important part, I think, because so far we have had a great summer of signings – great players, great behaviour, great spirit, great personality,” he said, clearly pleased with what has walked through the doors at Hotspur Way over the off-season.

The numbers around Savinho dominate the headlines – £85m, another big swing from a club determined to back its new head coach. De Zerbi, however, moved quickly to cool any assumption that big money automatically turns into big points.

“You know better than me in the Premier League, you don’t win the game with the names, with the big players,” he warned. “There are a lot of examples in the last years in the Premier League.”

The message was blunt. Reputation won’t save you on a cold afternoon, and a record fee won’t close down a counter-attack.

“We have to deserve to win the game,” De Zerbi continued. “And to deserve to win the game, we have to reach a high level in character, in passion, in value and in the style of play as well.”

So the picture is clear. Spurs are still buying. The squad is stronger, deeper, flashier. But in De Zerbi’s mind, the real work starts now – on the grass, under pressure, with no transfer rumours left to hide behind.