adminFabrizio Romano: Spurs now making calls to sign De Zerbi’s new Caicedo
Tottenham Hotspur have already kicked off their summer rebuild in style, confirming the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week. The deal, worth a hefty £52 million, brings the Dutch international to North London – even as he continues his World Cup campaign with the Netherlands.
Van Hecke is no stranger to Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi, having worked under the Italian during their time together at Brighton. That prior connection should help the centre-back settle quickly and make an instant impact. Interestingly, he also shares a national team dressing room with Spurs defender Micky van de Ven, with the pair featuring together in the Netherlands’ recent draw against Japan – van de Ven operating at left-back.
But Van Hecke won’t be the only new face arriving this summer. Tottenham are actively hunting for more reinforcements as they look to build a squad capable of competing on all fronts.
Spurs Chasing a Portuguese Midfield Gem
In their quest to bolster the engine room, Spurs have set their sights on Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali – but De Zerbi is also keen to unearth a player in the mould of Moisés Caicedo, the Ecuadorian he previously developed at Brighton.
Caicedo, now at Chelsea after a record £115 million move, is financially out of reach. However, De Zerbi believes he has found a more affordable – and equally promising – alternative.
According to Fabrizio Romano, via his YouTube channel, Tottenham are actively pursuing West Ham United central midfielder Mateus Fernandes. The Lilywhites have already initiated contact with the player and his representatives, laying the groundwork for a potential summer switch.
However, Spurs face stiff competition. Romano adds that Manchester United are already in talks, while Real Madrid – now managed by José Mourinho – are also weighing up a move for the Portuguese star.
With West Ham relegated to the Championship, they are demanding around £80 million for Fernandes. Whether Tottenham are prepared to meet that price tag remains to be seen.
Why Mateus Fernandes Could Be Tottenham’s Own Caicedo
Caicedo’s £115 million move to Chelsea was built on a standout 2022/23 season under De Zerbi, where he averaged an impressive 4.4 tackles and interceptions per game in the Premier League.
Despite West Ham’s relegation in 2025/26, Fernandes has showcased remarkably similar attributes over the past nine months – suggesting he could replicate Caicedo’s influence for Spurs.
Described as a “superstar” by analyst Joost van der Leij, the 21-year-old is a tenacious, combative presence in midfield. He thrives on winning back possession through tackles, interceptions, and physical duels – much like his Ecuadorian counterpart.
But Fernandes is far from just a destroyer. He’s also composed and effective in possession, chipping in with three goals and four assists last season – a commendable return for a midfielder playing in a relegated side. That proves he can contribute at both ends of the pitch.
With his ability to break up play and impact the final third, Fernandes has all the tools to become De Zerbi’s new Caicedo.
That’s exactly why Tottenham should push hard to beat Real Madrid and Manchester United to his signature in the coming days and weeks.
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