Robertson arrives on a free as De Zerbi’s first Tottenham recruit, with more expected after relegation
Andy Robertson has completed a free transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, the club confirmed on Thursday, as Roberto De Zerbi begins a major squad overhaul designed to distance the club from a season spent fighting Premier League relegation.
The Scotland captain, 32, will officially become a Spurs player on July 1st after his Liverpool contract expired on June 30th. De Zerbi gave the green light for the move, having previously managed against Robertson in the Premier League. Robertson filmed a message to supporters saying: “Hi Tottenham fans, it’s me Andy Robertson here, as you can see I’m not in Glasgow, I’m in America just now preparing for the World Cup. But I just wanted to send you a message to say I cannot wait to play for you guys, I cannot wait to meet you guys and I cannot wait to play in the stadium for the first time in front of you. I’m already looking forward to next season. All the best and I’ll see you soon.”
Robertson’s arrival is the first concrete step in what the club describes as a “clean break” from a traumatic campaign. Tottenham survived Premier League relegation only on the final day of the season, beating Everton, a result De Zerbi called the “biggest achievement” of his career. The Italian was appointed on a five-year contract on March 31, 2026, tasked with rescuing a side that had slid into the relegation zone. His reputation for an attacking, possession-based style — built on build-up from the goalkeeper and an aggressive high press — now shapes a squad clear-out expected to involve multiple signings.
Robertson’s move ends a long-running pursuit. Spurs had attempted to sign the left-back in the January transfer window, but Liverpool blocked the deal after being unable to recall Kostas Tsimikas from his loan at Roma. Robertson subsequently decided to leave Anfield at the end of his contract after 378 appearances across nine seasons. During that spell he won two Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup and two League Cups, and has since amassed 92 caps for Scotland, whom he will captain at the upcoming World Cup. His departure from Liverpool is understood to have been mutual and amicable, with no new contract talks held — partly because Milos Kerkez has become the regular starter at left-back. Juventus made a late attempt to sign Robertson, but he chose to honour his agreement with Tottenham. His current market value is estimated at €7 million.
Further additions lined up
Another free agent, centre-back Marcos Senesi, is expected to join from Bournemouth on a free transfer after his contract there expired on June 30th. The 28-year-old Argentine has made 124 appearances for the Cherries and was a key figure in their record-breaking 2024/25 campaign, which yielded a club-high 56 Premier League points and a ninth-place finish. Bournemouth offered Senesi a new contract, but he will depart, citing his contract demands as a factor. In a statement, Senesi said: “AFC Bournemouth will always hold a special place for me and I will look back at my time here with fond memories.” Tottenham face competition for his signature: Barcelona and Juventus have also been linked, although Chelsea have played down suggestions of a move.
Spurs are also pursuing Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, 25. According to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, Spurs made an opening offer for the Netherlands international, which was rejected. Brighton value him at close to £70 million, although that figure is considered unrealistic given he has only one year remaining on his contract, which runs until June 2027. Van Hecke signed a new deal in December 2023 but has shown no interest in extending it. He was named Brighton’s Player of the Year for 2024/25, ranking in the Premier League’s top five for passes completed and progressive passes per 90 last season. Chelsea also hold an interest, but Van Hecke is well known to De Zerbi after playing under him at Brighton; De Zerbi previously said Van Hecke is “improving in an incredible way”. That relationship is expected to attract the defender to north London, though Spurs must get closer to Brighton’s asking price.
De Zerbi’s assessment
De Zerbi said of Robertson: “Andy is someone I’ve admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team. He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch. I can’t wait to start working with him and seeing the positive impact he will have on everyone around him.”
The scale of the rebuild is underlined by a list of other reported targets, including Raphinha, Jonathan David, Andreas Pereira, Santiago Gimenez, Piero Hincapie, Willian Pacho, Evanilson — all at the 2024 Copa America — as well as Manchester City winger Savinho and strikers Goncalo Ramos and Moise Kean. The influx of defensive recruits, however, has already prompted speculation about the futures of current centre-backs Cristian Romero and Radu Drăgușin.
