Tottenham could undergo a squad overhaul in the summer after a torrid campaign.
It has been a disastrous season for Tottenham Hotspur, currently sitting 17th in the Premier League, just one point above the drop zone.
Roberto De Zerbi has seven matches to save the North London club’s top-flight status, starting with a difficult trip to Sunderland on April 12. The Italian was initially hesitant about taking over mid-season, but Spurs chiefs convinced him to join immediately and sign a five-year deal.
The North Londoners are likely to see some first-team stars depart during the summer window as they are set to miss out on European football entirely. It may also lead to a mass exodus of players. Even if De Zerbi succeeds in guiding the club to safety, it won’t affect the futures of certain key players. This is perhaps one of the reasons why the N17 bosses have already begun planning for the 2026/27 season.
Cagliari full-back on the radar of Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle United
Cagliari right-back Marco Palestra, on loan from Atalanta, has emerged as a target for Tottenham. The youngster has impressed with his performances for Cagliari, bagging a goal and four assists in 30 Serie A appearances. The Italian’s displays in Serie A have not only caught the attention of Spurs but also a couple of their Premier League rivals.
According to an exclusive report from CaughtOffside, Liverpool and Newcastle United are also interested in Marco Palestra, who is valued at €45 million by Atalanta. Newcastle United and Spurs have scouted the 21-year-old in several matches, but Liverpool is ‘considered the strongest candidate financially’.
The report adds that the Premier League is seen as the most concrete destination for Palestra, considering the interest he has garnered. Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle are showing interest in the young full-back, who has a bright future in the game.
Difficult to sign Palestra
For Tottenham, losing Pedro Porro in the summer could be a big blow. The right-back has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, and if he pushes to leave in the summer, Spurs will have to replace Porro in the squad. Palestra, at 21, may not be an immediate replacement for Porro, but he could be groomed into one by De Zerbi. The Italian’s dynamism, energy and technical ability are tailor-made for De Zerbi’s system. The complication? Liverpool and Newcastle.
At this moment, Liverpool are ahead in the race to sign the Cagliari loanee. The Reds, in particular, will be able to offer Palestra Champions League football and provide a stable environment to develop his skills. Eddie Howe’s future at Newcastle is up in the air, while Spurs are fighting to stay in the Premier League. Plus, they aren’t in a position to financially battle against Liverpool for the young full-back.