As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for a massive summer overhaul under Roberto De Zerbi, the club’s transfer strategy is likely to focus on signing proven leaders who can raise the squad’s standards.
Fabrizio Romano has already confirmed that Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson is heading to north London upon the expiry of his contract at Anfield. With that, Spurs aren’t just signing a world-class defender—they are acquiring the exact DNA this fragile squad is crying out for.
Robertson has been a mainstay in Liverpool’s team ever since joining the Reds from Hull City back in the summer of 2017. The passionate Scot has been part of a successful era under Jurgen Klopp and leaves Anfield as one of their greatest ever defenders.
Robertson will be De Zerbi’s left-hand man
It is no secret that Tottenham’s disappointing Premier League campaign was defined by a staggering lack of on-pitch leadership. When facing adversity or collapsing under high pressure, the current squad frequently lacked vocal figures capable of demanding accountability, steadying the backline, and dragging teammates through difficult moments.
De Zerbi himself noted that fear plagued the dressing room during the winter months, highlighting a critical void left by the departures of veteran stalwarts over recent seasons.
Enter Robertson, the 32-year-old Scotland captain, who represents everything this Spurs squad have lacked. Having won every major honour available during a legendary career under Klopp at Liverpool, he knows exactly what it takes to build and maintain a ruthless winning culture.
Beyond his tactical fit as a tireless, high-pressing fullback who perfectly suits De Zerbi’s demanding style, Robertson’s fierce personality makes this transfer a masterstroke. Known for his aggressive, front-foot mentality, relentless work ethic, and vocal presence on the pitch, the Scotsman refuses to tolerate complacency.
Robertson is a natural organiser who leads by example, completely unafraid to challenge his teammates or rattle opponents to get a result. He won’t be downing tools if he isn’t a regular starter and instead he’ll be pushing his colleagues on.
Put the captain’s armband on him
For a young Tottenham squad in desperate need of a psychological reset, Robertson’s arrival provides an instant injection of maturity and steel. He is a ready-made captain for De Zerbi.
If Spurs want to ensure they never find themselves in another dogfight, signing a natural-born leader like Robertson is the ultimate way to start. He won’t go into hiding as many of the players have throughout a dismal campaign.
Robertson should even be handed the club captaincy if Cristian Romero departs. We’ve seen the impact that such experienced players can have in such roles including Jordan Henderson at Brentford and Granit Xhaka at Sunderland.
