Tottenham Hotspur has confirmed the departure of 12 players as the club undergoes a significant squad overhaul following the conclusion of the 2025/26 Premier League season. The departures come as manager Robert De Zerbi, who took the helm mid-season, aims to reshape the team after they narrowly avoided relegation, finishing just two points above the drop zone in 17th place.
Squad Refresh Under De Zerbi
Manager Robert De Zerbi has wasted no time in implementing his vision for Tottenham Hotspur, with a substantial clear-out of players preceding the new campaign. The official start of the new football season, July 1, marks the point when players whose contracts expired on June 30 become free agents. This period has seen a significant number of players leave the club, signaling a new era under De Zerbi’s management.
Key Departures and Notable Exits
Among the most prominent departures is midfielder Yves Bissouma. The club confirmed his exit last month, stating that a new contract had not been offered. Bissouma, who joined Spurs from Brighton in the summer of 2022 for a reported fee of £30 million, made 111 appearances during his tenure. His time at Tottenham was hampered by injuries, particularly knee and ankle issues, which significantly limited his playing time in the first half of the most recent season. He made his first appearance of the campaign on January 17 and featured in only 11 more matches, remaining an unused substitute for the final three league games.
Another notable departure is Argentine forward Alejo Veliz. Brazilian club Bahia announced on June 26 that they had secured Veliz on a permanent deal, effective July 1. The transfer, reportedly worth £7.7 million, follows his season-long loan spell at Rosario Central.
Academy and Youth Player Movements
The club’s academy has also seen a considerable number of players move on. Ten players from the youth ranks have departed Tottenham. These include under-21 players Pele Arganese-McDermott, Tyrell Ashcroft, Leo Black, Dante Cassanova, Matthew Craig, and Calum Logan, all of whom left upon the expiry of their contracts. Additionally, four players from the under-18 squad have departed, including Elijah Upson, who reportedly declined a contract offer from the club. Jamel Beggs, Samal Bangura, and Leon Myrtaj also feature on the list of departing youth players.
Incomings and Squad Strengthening
While the club has seen a significant number of players leave, Tottenham has also been active in the transfer market, securing new talent. Recent acquisitions include Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth, Andrew Robertson from Liverpool, and Martin Dubravka from Burnley, all of whom have joined the squad. Furthermore, the club confirmed the £52 million acquisition of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton last month, indicating a strategic approach to strengthening the team for the upcoming season.
Context of the Summer Exodus
The extensive player movement at Tottenham Hotspur occurs in the wake of a challenging 2025/26 season. The team’s 17th-place finish, narrowly avoiding relegation, underscored the need for significant changes. Manager Robert De Zerbi, who joined the club mid-season, is now tasked with rebuilding and revitalizing the squad. The club’s strategy appears to involve a combination of offloading players deemed surplus to requirements and investing in new talent to achieve better results in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Looking Ahead
With the official start of the new season on July 1, Tottenham Hotspur is poised for a period of transition. The departures of 12 players, including established names and promising youth prospects, coupled with new signings, indicate a clear intent to reshape the club’s future. Fans will be looking to see how De Zerbi’s new-look squad performs as they aim to climb the Premier League table and compete more effectively in the coming seasons.
