Spurs complete first signing of the summer just a week after beating Man Utd in Europa League final
Just a week after their triumphant night in Bilbao, where they defeated Manchester United to lift the UEFA Europa League trophy, Tottenham Hotspur have wasted no time getting to work in the transfer market. The club has officially announced their first signing of the summer window, confirming the permanent acquisition of central defender Kevin Danso from French side RC Lens.
Spurs’ European success offered a much-needed silver lining to an otherwise dismal domestic season. Ange Postecoglou’s team endured a disastrous Premier League campaign, finishing in a shocking 17th place with only 38 points from 38 games — narrowly avoiding relegation. The North London side managed just 11 wins all season, a far cry from the performances their fans have come to expect.
Despite the struggles in the league, Spurs found redemption in Europe. Their 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final marked the end of a 17-year trophy drought, securing the club’s first major piece of silverware since their League Cup triumph in 2008. The victory brought a renewed sense of optimism to the fanbase, even as questions swirled around Postecoglou’s future at the helm.
While uncertainty remains regarding the manager’s long-term role, the club has moved swiftly to begin reshaping the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season. The signing of Kevin Danso signals a clear intent to reinforce the defensive line with proven talent. The 26-year-old Austrian international initially joined Spurs in January on a loan deal that included an obligation to buy — a clause that has now been triggered.
Danso made an immediate impact during his short spell with the team, featuring in 15 matches across all competitions. Notably, he played a key role in the club’s European campaign, including an appearance in the Europa League final itself. His consistent performances and leadership at the back have convinced the Spurs hierarchy to make his stay permanent, with the club shelling out £21 million to secure his services on a long-term basis. He will officially become Tottenham’s first signing of the summer on Sunday.
In addition to Danso’s arrival, the club has confirmed a number of departures as they begin trimming the squad. Veteran goalkeeper Fraser Forster, full-back Sergio Reguilon, and backup keeper Alfie Whiteman have all been released following the expiration of their contracts. Meanwhile, German forward Timo Werner has returned to RB Leipzig after the conclusion of his loan spell. French club Marseille have also taken up their option to sign midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg on a permanent basis, following his loan stint last season.
Postecoglou, speaking after the club’s European triumph, emphasized that this is just the beginning of a new chapter for Tottenham. “I’ve had such a laser focus on winning this,” he said in reference to the Europa League. “Whatever happens, happens. But we’re still building this team. It’s a young squad, and we need to add experience. My thought process has always been about creating a team that can compete and be successful not just now, but for the next five or six years.”
With a long summer ahead and many areas of the squad still in need of reinforcement, Spurs fans will be eager to see whether the club can maintain the momentum from their European glory and translate it into a successful domestic resurgence. For now, the signing of Danso marks a positive first step toward that goal.