Record Spurs spend shows new ambition - Van de Ven

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has described the club’s record summer spending as evidence of a “new ambition” after what he called an “unacceptable” season. Speaking to BBC Sport in Sydney during Spurs’ pre-season tour, the 25-year-old said the changes at the club had helped the squad move on from a difficult campaign and approach the new season with a fresher outlook.

According to the report, Tottenham finished 17th in the Premier League for a second consecutive year and avoided relegation only on the final day last season. The club also went through three managers: Thomas Frank was dismissed after less than eight months, interim boss Igor Tudor left after 44 days, and Roberto de Zerbi was appointed in late March with seven matches remaining.

BBC Sport says Spurs have spent a club-record £237m this summer under De Zerbi. The article lists two record-breaking deals in quick succession: Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85m and Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for £100m. It also reports the arrival of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52m, plus free transfers for Marcos Senesi, Andrew Robertson and Martin Dubravka. Van de Ven, who joined from Wolfsburg in 2023 and is in talks over a new contract, said the new players had settled well.

Van de Ven also backed De Zerbi to deliver a more attacking, possession-based style than Spurs played last season, saying the Italian had brought energy, mentality and passion to the squad. The comments matter because they frame Tottenham’s heavy transfer activity as part of a wider reset after instability on and off the pitch.