Roberto De Zerbi's starting XI vs Brentford could now include four new Tottenham signings
Tottenham Hotspur have been extremely busy in the close season as they gear up for the 2026/27 season.
Spurs narrowly avoided what would have been a hugely embarrassing relegation from the Premier League last season.
SInce then, the hierarchy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have taken steps to ensure such a nervy scare does not occur again.
Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dubravka have all arrived on free transfers.
Meanwhile, Jan Paul van Hecke and Mateus Fernandes have arrived in £52million and £85m deals from Brighton and West Ham respectively, while Sandro Tonali could be next through the door.
There are still seven weeks to go until Spurs play their season opener at Brentford on 22 August, but we can already speculate as to how Roberto De Zerbi's first starting XI of the campaign might look.
Cristian Romero to be axed for Tottenham's season opener?
Right now, of course, everything as it pertains to Tottenham's starting XI to face Brentford is purely speculative, but we have plumped for a 4-2-3-1 formation.
But, there is doubt over the future of Guglielmo Vicario in goal, with the Italian linked with a move back to Serie A.
Antonin Kinsky started the last seven games of the season, keeping two clean sheets, making an average of 1.4 saves per game, and making 10 saves in total.
Right-back looks pretty set, with Spain international Pedro Porro likely to retain his place, but the rest of the choices could be entirely new.
Van Hecke impressed at the heart of the Netherlands defence before their premature exit from the World Cup.
In 36 Premier League appearances last season, he averaged 1.3 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, 5.3 clearances, and 3.1 ball recoveries per game.
That would mean axing captain Cristian Romero, who has endured an uneasy relationship with supporters, and there remains a chance he could be sold anyway.
Choosing a partner for Van Hecke looks a little tougher, but Micky van de Ven's own future still looks unclear, so the arrival of Senesi means he may get the nod - although if Argentina go deeper at the World Cup that could change.
In 37 league outings for Bournemouth last term, Senesi played a part in 10 clean sheets, had 4.2 ball recoveries per 90 mins, and averaged 6.8 clearances. He also chipped in with five assists.
At left-back, Robertson brings title-winning pedigree after twice lifting the Premier League with Liverpool, and we have plumped for him to get the nod over Destiny Udogie.
Position tweak possible for James Maddison
Moving further forward, and Spurs' midfield is continuing to go through a big overhaul.
Fernandes has arrived from West Ham, after a season that saw him contribute four assists and three goals to the relegated Hammers. He also had an overall pass accuracy of 87 per cent, and 83 per cent in the opposition half.
Who plays next to him is likely to change, but right now we're selecting from confirmed squad members, so Conor Gallagher gets the nod. The expected arrival of Tonali could yet change that.
Further forward is still a tricky one to predict, but Mohammed Kudus will hopefully be back from a long-term injury to start on the right.
As things stand, De Zerbi could be tempted to switch James Maddison to a more left-wing role, but with the caveat he plays a little more central out of possession to provide extra cover in central midfield.
Maddison missed most of the last campaign, of course, as did Dejan Kulusevski. If the Sweden international stays fit he will be a huge boost, and we have him starting in attacking midfield for now.
A new striker could be on the cards for Spurs, but right now we have selected Dominic Solanke to start up top ahead of Richarlison.
The England striker managed just 15 appearances in an injury-ravaged 2025/26 campaign, scoring just three goals from an xG of 2.43.