Roberto De Zerbi looking left with a disappointed expression

Roberto De ZerbiImago

The Premier League red tape hindering Tottenham's transfer plans - here's how they have to navigate it

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Published on:

12 Aug 2026, 11:45 am

Tottenham Hotspur's ambitious transfer window has slowed over the past few weeks.

Spurs were fast out of the blocks this summer, signing Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dubravka on free transfers.

They then shelled out a reported £237million to bring in Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes.

Spurs recouped some of that outlay by selling Luka Vuskovic, Will Lankshear, Manor Solomon, Alfie Define, and Alejo Veliz, while Radu Dragusin moved to Fiorentina on a loan with an obligation to buy.

Roberto De Zerbi still wants two or three more players before the transfer window closes, especially in the forward areas.

But Spurs are having to carefully navigate the Premier League's squad registration rules to do so.

What's the state of play with Tottenham's squad?

Premier League rules state that clubs can have a maximum squad size of 25 professional players.

Of those 25, a maximum of 17 can be none home grown, i.e. any player who spent three years (continuous or not) at an English club prior to their 21st birthday.

For example, Austrian Kevin Danso meets the requirement because he spent time in the academies of Reading and MK Dons, but Scotland international Robertson does not because he was not registered in England until he was 20.

As things stand, Tottenham have 20 players who would class as non-homegrown over the age of 21, while they have eight homegrown over 21.

Tottenham treading carefully as transfer headache emerges in 'big-ticket' strategy

What is the solution for Tottenham?

So how much of an issue is this for Tottenham? Well, it kind of depends on their plans in terms of outgoings and who they plan to register.

For instance, Japan defender Kota Takai is likely to head out on loan again, while Guglielmo Vicario is expected to be sold.

Xavi Simons is unlikely to be registered at this time as he recovers from an ACL injury, while a decision will need to be take on Wilson Odobert who is on the comeback from the same injury.

Cristian Romero is also expected to be sold, while Djed Spence - one of the homegrown players - could depart.

If the latter happens, then Spurs would be able to sign a new homegrown player of any age.

But if they want to make more non-homegrown signings over the age of 21, then they will be oversubscribed, meaning sales will be an inevitability.

Cristian Gabriel Romero