Darren Bent reveals Tottenham already working to address 'atrocious' squad issue

Darren Bent believes that Roberto De Zerbi has made a hugely positive start to the summer in charge of Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lilywhites slipped to a second successive 17th placed finish in the Premier League in 2025-26, but have fresh hope under their new boss.

The North London side have already got deals in place to sign Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, and are also continuing to push to prise Jan Paul van Hecke away from Brighton.

Defensive additions have been the priority for Spurs so far, and their former striker Bent believes that De Zerbi and Co. are right to build from the back first.

Tottenham shipped 57 goals in the league this term, a tally which was only lower than the three relegated clubs.

Their defensive efforts came well short of what is expected for a club of their level, and Bent is adamant that they are already on the right track to change that.

Darren Bent: Spurs have already upgraded 'awful' defence

Tottenham's defence appears set for a major overhaul this summer, with a pair of new faces already coming through the door.

The likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie have all been consistently linked with moves away, which could come to fruition soon.

Bent feels that De Zerbi has doen the right thing by trying to refresh the backline, as he looks to stamp his own image on the group.

Speaking on talkSPORT's Drive show on Monday evening, the former frontman made it clear that Tottenham had to upgrade after their "awful" defensive record in 2025-26.

"I like what De Zerbi's doing, they're building from the right areas," the 42-year-old said.

"Defensively, last season they were absolutely atrocious. They conceded 57 goals last season, which is not good enough by any stretch of the imagination.

"It was awful, but they're building in the right areas."

Tottenham's next signing 'just a matter of time'

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider last week that Savinho's move to Tottenham is now "just a matter of time."

The football finance expert suggested that both parties are happy with a potential deal to send the winger to North London, after a season where he failed to nail down a regular starting spot at the Etihad Stadium.

Borson made it clear that the Lilywhites are "advanced" in their pursuit of the Brazilian, and an announcement of his signing could now be just around the corner.

He noted that the deal is likely to be done in the region of the £55million mark.