Setting lofty ambitions for 2026, Tottenham Hotspur have now reportedly launched their opening move to sign a Barcelona star who earns over £14m a year in Spain.
Tottenham’s ambitious transfer plans
When Tottenham Hotspur dismissed Daniel Levy, they set their sights on turning Tottenham into an ambitious club rather than just sustainable. Vinai Venkatesham, chief executive, told reporters when Levy left the club: “We’ve got a massive global fanbase. We saw in May in Bilbao what that next step is. That is competing for and ultimately winning trophies.
“We’ve had a taste of that, and it’s even better than you imagined. You realise the club is even bigger than you thought it was, and you’re hungry for more. That’s what everyone associated with this club is hungry for, more nights like that.”
Since then, Thomas Frank has enjoyed mixed results in all competitions but has managed to stay unbeaten in the Premier League after edging past Leeds United. The Lilywhites sealed victory thanks to Mohammed Kudus’ first Premier League goal for the club, as his strong start continues after his summer move.
It’s the type of successful transfer window that those in North London will be keen to repeat in 2026 and reports are already suggesting that their ambitions are high.
Some have even gone as far as to suggest that Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde is a summer target. The impressive midfielder would be an undeniable game-changer in Frank’s side, but it remains to be seen whether the Lilywhites can lure him to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the famous El Clasico, Tottenham have reportedly made their first move for a Barcelona star.
Tottenham launch first Ter Stegen move
According to Sport in Spain, Tottenham have now launched their first enquiry to sign Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the winter window. The Barcelona shot-stopper is currently out injured with a ruptured patellar tendon and is not expected to return until around January time, but that hasn’t stopped Spurs from making their first move.
In the meantime, the 33-year-old will have just two years remaining on his current deal when the summer arrives, which certainly leaves the door ajar for a potential exit. The big question for those in North London will be whether Ter Stegen still has the quality to step into the Premier League.
For all his experience and place as one of Barcelona’s biggest earners at around €16m (£14m) every year, this is still a player coming back from a major injury in his 30s. Tottenham must take that into account.
Although Barcelona chief Deco recently dubbed the German “great”, the Spanish giants and any on-watching interested parties will only receive a glimpse of the goalkeeper’s current level when he returns from injury. Until then, Tottenham would be wise to proceed with caution.
