- Tottenham target three Brighton stars in summer rebuild
- Roberto De Zerbi wants reunion with former Seagulls players
- Brighton expected to demand huge transfer fees
Roberto De Zerbi is preparing a familiar looking summer shopping list at Tottenham with Brighton once again at the centre of the story as Spurs circle several of Albion’s biggest stars.
The former Seagulls boss has pushed Tottenham to target Carlos Baleba, Bart Verbruggen and Jan Paul van Hecke as he begins reshaping the North London club following their dramatic escape from relegation last season.
For Brighton supporters, it is the clearest sign yet that De Zerbi still trusts the core of talent he worked with at the Amex Stadium. The Italian built one of the Premier League’s most entertaining sides during his time on the south coast and now appears eager to bring some of that blueprint to Spurs.
Brighton braced for summer interest
Carlos Baleba has emerged as Tottenham’s headline target although Brighton still hold all the cards. Albion value the 21 year old midfielder at well over £100 million while Manchester United continue to track the Cameroon international after another dominant campaign in midfield.
Any move for Van Hecke or Verbruggen would also come at a significant cost. While both players remain highly rated across Europe there is also a growing feeling among some Albion fans that inconsistency crept into their performances at times during the second half of the season.
Van Hecke’s aggressive style and ball playing ability continue to attract admirers though lapses in concentration occasionally proved costly. Verbruggen meanwhile remains one of the Premier League’s most technically gifted goalkeepers but endured a difficult run of form late in the campaign after such an impressive start to life in English football.
Read more: “We always want more” – Hurzeler reacts to missing out on Europa League
Triple Raid on Brighton could test Albion resolve
That leaves Brighton facing a familiar crossroads. If serious offers arrive there may be confidence within the club that the recruitment machine can once again turn major sales into another successful rebuild. Albion have repeatedly shown an ability to refresh the squad while remaining competitive and few clubs in Europe are better at reinvesting transfer income.
Still, Brighton are under no pressure to sell and any approach from Tottenham is expected to be met with hefty demands. Baleba alone could threaten the British transfer record while Van Hecke and Verbruggen would each command fees reflective of their age, quality and Premier League pedigree.
Also read: Wayne Rooney praises Fabian Hurzeler after Brighton secure European football
De Zerbi looks to rebuild Spurs with familiar faces
Tottenham are also exploring alternative defensive targets including Bournemouth centre back Marcos Senesi while experienced names such as Andy Robertson and John Stones have been discussed internally as Spurs look to add leadership and top level know how.
De Zerbi’s admiration for his former players is hardly surprising. The Brighton side he inherited evolved into one of the most tactically admired teams in the division and several members of that squad have only increased in value since his departure.
Now the challenge for Brighton is making sure any potential raid comes on their terms.
If Tottenham want Albion’s stars they may discover that Brighton’s recruitment department is not the only thing operating at elite level on the south coast.
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