Van de Ven: Record Spurs spending shows new ambition after 'unacceptable' season

Micky van de Ven believes Tottenham's club-record £237 million summer outlay proves the hierarchy is serious about turning the page on a miserable spell that saw the team finish 17th in the Premier League for two straight years. The Dutch defender, speaking from the club's pre-season tour in Sydney, said the heavy investment - which included the arrivals of Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali and Jan Paul van Hecke - has given everyone at the club a fresh sense of purpose. "You can see the club has a new ambition. It's really good that you can see the club has made some changes," the 25-year-old told sources. "Last season was a stressful season, unacceptable from our side, so to leave all of that behind and go into the new season fresh means a lot." Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the 2024-25 campaign and went through three different managers during the season. Thomas Frank lasted less than eight months before being sacked, interim Igor Tudor stayed 44 days, and Roberto de Zerbi took over with seven games left. Van de Ven said De Zerbi's influence has already been transformative. "It's going to be different compared to the manager we had last season," he said. "It's going to be more with the ball, more about playing football. I think it's also going to be more enjoyable for people to watch because we'll be playing offensive football." The defender also praised the mentality De Zerbi has instilled. "He has brought a lot of passion into our group - a lot in terms of mentality and passion on the pitch. It is something we needed because everybody was a little bit down. He brings a lot of good energy." Spurs broke their transfer record twice in two days earlier this month, first signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85 million, then landing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for £100 million. Jan Paul van Hecke joined from Brighton for £52 million, while Marcos Senesi, Andrew Robertson and Martin Dubravka arrived on free transfers. Van de Ven, who is in talks over a new contract after joining from Wolfsburg in 2023, said the new players have slotted in seamlessly. "The feeling of the team is really good, to be honest. I have really enjoyed working with him and the guys who are coming in have been unbelievable as well. They have fit in well to the group."