Tottenham will be a Premier League side next season, but an important summer transfer window awaits. The task for Spurs is simple in theory: find the pieces that lift them from mid-table drift to annual title-chasing contenders. In the eyes of pundits and former players alike, the lynchpin could be one player in particular. Alan Hutton has told GOAL the “one guy they have to keep” to stand any chance of becoming a ‘Big Six’ team again. Here’s how Tottenham can align their strategy around that central figure and what to expect from a squad that is set to be markedly different from the group that dragged itself over the relegation avoidance line in 2025-26.
Why the “one guy” matters
For a club like Tottenham, the difference between flirting with Europe and staving off mid-table mediocrity often comes down to a single, defining talent: someone who can elevate performances on big occasions, unlock stubborn defenses, and provide a steadying influence in high-pressure moments. Alan Hutton’s assertion that there is “one guy they have to keep” isn’t a wild claim; it’s a reminder that every successful rebuild needs a nucleus around which to rebuild. The rest of the squad can be reshaped, but continuity at a vital position can anchor a new system.
The summer transfer window: what Tottenham will be chasing
- A marquee creator or goal-scorer: The club needs someone who can produce moments of magic when the pitch tightens up. The right playmaker or finisher can turn a handful of games in a season from draws to wins and from losses to momentum builders.
- A backbone defender or central midfielder: Rebuilding starts with a reliable spine. Tottenham will want durable options who can handle the rigors of a full season and help implement a clear tactical identity.
- Youth integration with measured risk: The post-2025-26 squad is expected to be markedly different. That means blending homegrown talent and promising recruits with experienced pros who know how to win in pressure environments.
What this means for the squad starting next season
The Spurs squad that starts next season is expected to be markedly different to the one that dragged itself over the relegation avoidance line in 2025-26. Change is on the horizon, but it’s not a wholesale rebuild without a plan. The club will likely target a mix of proven Premier League performers and younger profiles who can grow into leadership roles. In this context, the “one guy” becomes even more critical—someone who can slot into a variety of systems and maintain performance when personnel turnover is high.
Tactical implications: how this could look on the pitch
Defensive solidity with progression: A center-back pairing that can deal with pace and physicality while stepping into build-up play will be crucial to implementing an effective possession-based approach.
Flexible attacking options: A dynamic forward or attacking midfielder who can operate across three roles will give Tottenham freedom to switch between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 without losing balance.
Midfield balance: A stabilizing deep-lying playmaker or box-to-box presence can keep control in crowded midfields, enabling quicker transitions and better pressing in higher blocks.
