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Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sandro has called on the club to pursue Manchester City winger Savinho as part of their squad overhaul. After Roberto De Zerbi masterminded a remarkable Premier League survival, the ex-Spurs star identified the forward line, wings, and central defence as the three crucial areas the Italian coach must reinforce during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Sandro highlights Tottenham’s transfer priorities

Speaking to Stake, Sandro detailed the exact positions De Zerbi should focus on strengthening before the new season. The manager took charge in late March and guided Spurs to safety on the final day with three wins, two draws, and two defeats in seven matches. Building on that survival run, the Brazilian emphasised the need for reinforcements in the wide and striking roles, pointing to a €50 million-rated (£43m/$58m) dynamic winger. He remarked, “I think we need to strengthen the attack, with wingers and a striker, because players will probably leave, like Richarlison probably will leave. Players that we need, I heard a lot about Savinho coming in as a winger, and I think we need to focus on these places and that kind of player.”

Savinho’s winning pedigree

Savinho has built an impressive track record since joining Manchester City for €25m (£22m/$29m) from Troyes ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. The Brazilian caught attention during a loan spell at Girona, netting 11 goals in 41 matches. At City, he has scored seven goals in 84 appearances and clinched the FA Cup and League Cup titles in 2026, along with a Community Shield triumph. While Sandro hopes the decorated winger can move to London, he also stressed the importance of reinforcing the defence. He added, “Defenders, I don’t know but Romero will probably leave as well, and we need to strengthen that central defence zone as well.”

Time and trust needed for De Zerbi’s philosophy

Tottenham, known for their attacking style of play, are expected to see De Zerbi restore that identity after securing their Premier League status. Sandro believes the board must give the Italian coach time and freedom to shape the squad, comparing the process to Pep Guardiola’s methodical approach. Sandro explained, “I think that’s what De Zerbi needs, that they give him time, let him choose the players. It’s trust over time, isn’t it? Exactly, and it will be a massive change, because now we have the idea of the philosophy. I think football has changed, because people just want to be successful, but Tottenham, we have always played attacking football, and we need to have someone that has the same idea and philosophy. Of course you’re playing in the Premier League, it’s not just attack, attack and you have to be clever, you need to control the game. Guardiola for example, you can’t be more attacking than Guardiola, it’s impossible, but it’s very clever.”

What lies ahead for Tottenham?

Tottenham face a crucial summer as they prepare to support De Zerbi in the transfer market. The club is expected to actively scout players such as Savinho while planning for potential exits of key names like Richarlison and Cristian Romero. Following their dramatic final-day escape, De Zerbi will quickly turn his focus to implementing his demanding tactical philosophy during pre-season preparations.