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De Zerbi wants one more Tottenham signing before transfer deadline

Roberto De Zerbi wants Tottenham to make one more signing before Tuesday night's transfer deadline, targeting a specific position. The head coach discussed the plan during a dinner with the club's owners and key executives. Outgoing deals remain possible, with Pape Sarr among the candidates to leave.

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Roberto De Zerbi talks to his coaching staff on the Tottenham bench during a Premier League match.
Roberto De Zerbi talks to his coaching staff on the Tottenham bench during a Premier League match.

Roberto De Zerbi is pushing for one final piece of business in the transfer window. The Tottenham head coach wants to strengthen a specific position before Tuesday night's deadline and has admitted that players could still leave the club in what he describes as a hectic but satisfying window.

  • De Zerbi wants one more signing for a specific position before Tuesday night's deadline.
  • He met with Tottenham's owners and key executives to plan the final push.
  • Omar Marmoush is available and could start against Newcastle.
  • Pape Sarr is a possible departure before the window closes.
  • Mohammed Kudus could return to the bench against Newcastle.

What signing De Zerbi wants at Tottenham before the deadline

The Italian coach made it clear that the squad can still improve in one area of the pitch. After a window that has already delivered several new players, he believes there is room for a final addition that fits the system. His focus is on one particular position, which he did not reveal publicly, but the priority is clear within the club.

During a dinner on Thursday night with the owner and key executives, including the chief executive and the sporting director, Tottenham discussed how to approach the final hours of the window. De Zerbi described the current market as unpredictable and left the door open to both incomings and outgoings.

I didn't expect a market like we have done. I think we can do one player more and in one specific position. Yesterday we went for dinner with the owner, with Vinai, with Johan and with Enrico. We spoke about this.

Omar Marmoush ready to face Newcastle amid Cody Gakpo links

Tottenham unveiled Omar Marmoush on Thursday after his move from Manchester City, and the Egyptian goes straight into the manager's plans for Saturday's home game against Newcastle. De Zerbi confirmed he is fit enough to play, potentially even from the start. His arrival is one of the reasons the coach feels the window has exceeded expectations.

The London club has also been linked with Cody Gakpo, the Liverpool forward. While De Zerbi did not discuss specific names, the possibility of a late attacking addition remains open until the window closes.

Tottenham's transfer window: better than De Zerbi expected

The coaching staff's assessment of the window is highly positive. De Zerbi admitted that the level of activity has surpassed what he imagined when the window opened. That satisfaction does not stop the club from trying to use the final days to complete the squad.

The sporting department is working with several open scenarios. The plan is to remain calm and act only if the right opportunity emerges, without rushing, but with the certainty that there is a defined gap they want to fill.

Possible Tottenham departures: the Pape Sarr situation

The exit market is also alive in north London. De Zerbi explicitly named Pape Sarr as one of the players who could move on before the deadline. The Senegalese midfielder is waiting for an offer that satisfies all parties involved.

The head coach insisted he has been transparent with every player from the start. Those who wanted to leave have had the chance to do so if a bid arrived. His message is direct: anyone who stays must be committed and proud to wear the Tottenham shirt.

The players who want to leave, they left. Maybe we have some players who want to leave and they are waiting for the offer. We are waiting for the offer. To stay here, they have to feel proud and happy. If you want to leave and you have not found the offer, it's your problem, not my problem. I give respect, I kiss you, I hug you, but at the end they have to stay calm inside the dressing room and not speak too much, because the rules have been clear.

Tottenham team news for Newcastle: Kudus and Van de Ven updates

De Zerbi delivered positive news on the fitness of his squad ahead of the game against Newcastle. Mohammed Kudus, out since January with a thigh injury, could return to the matchday squad and take a place on the bench. Micky van de Ven is ready to start.

The manager still has to decide whether Pedro Porro and Sávio begin the match in the starting eleven or come on as substitutes. With Marmoush now available, he has more attacking options when putting together his side.

What is at stake for Tottenham against Newcastle

Tottenham host Newcastle in a direct clash between two sides chasing European places. De Zerbi's men want to keep their momentum in the Premier League and build on the positive feeling generated by their transfer business.

The possible inclusion of Marmoush in the starting line-up adds an extra layer of interest to a match in which the Italian coach can show off his new attacking firepower. A win would allow Tottenham to face the upcoming break with confidence and a squad almost fully settled.

Frequently asked questions

Which signing does Tottenham want to make before the transfer deadline?

De Zerbi wants to add one more player for a specific position, although he has not publicly revealed which one. Tottenham have been linked with Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, among other names.

Can Omar Marmoush make his debut against Newcastle?

Yes. De Zerbi confirmed that Omar Marmoush is available for Saturday's home game against Newcastle and did not rule out starting him in the line-up.

Which players could leave Tottenham before the window closes?

Pape Sarr is one of the players named by De Zerbi as a possible departure. The coach insists there will be no surprises and that any move will depend on the offers the club receives.

Based on reporting by The Guardian.