Tottenham have mastered the free agent market over the years, signing big names throughout the Premier League era
Tottenham Hotspur have been severely hampered by injuries this campaign, leaving them with a depleted squad as they fight to stave off relegation. They have utilised only 24 of the 25 permitted slots in their Premier League squad allowance, however, and clubs in a previous position in recent years have taken advantage of being able to sign free agents outside the transfer window.
Even without such a pressing need for reinforcements, Spurs may well wish to explore picking up a free signing or two as a means of keeping costs down during their summer rebuilding efforts. It’s a strategy that has served them admirably over the years, whether that involved adding depth to their ranks or securing players capable of making an immediate impact.
The north London club splashed out heavily in January, recruiting Conor Gallagher and Souza for a combined £48million. Results have yet to turn around, however, with the club sacking manager Thomas Frank and installing Igor Tudor as interim boss after failing to win a single league game so far in 2026.
Several Premier League players are eligible to sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs ahead of their contracts expiring this summer. Spurs could make their move should any of those individuals choose to run down their deals – while also remaining able to speak to out-of-contract stars from other leagues.
Whether the likes of Dusan Vlahovic, Marcos Senesi or Harry Wilson feature on their wishlist remains to be seen – and the same goes for other players out of contract this summer. Even so, fans will be well aware that Spurs have capitalised shrewdly on the free agent market in recent years.
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Ivan Perisic
During Antonio Conte’s spell in charge, Spurs moved quickly to bring in Ivan Perisic on a free transfer in the summer of 2022. A Champions League winner with Bayern Munich and Serie A champion with Inter Milan under Conte, the 33-year-old joined on a two-year deal.
The experienced Croatian had long been a target for Premier League rivals Manchester United, with Jose Mourinho desperate to bring him to England during the summer of 2017. However, Inter rebuffed the Red Devils’ approach, and it would take a further five years before the wide player finally made his way to the Premier League.
Perisic made a significant impact during his maiden season at Tottenham, but suffered an ACL injury barely a month into his second season. He joined Hajduk Split on loan in the latter half of the season before moving to PSV Eindhoven in 2024, claiming the Eredivisie title in his debut season in the Netherlands
Fraser Forster
Fraser Forster touched down just days after Perisic in June 2022, making it two free transfers in two weeks for Conte. The England international stopper signed a two-year deal in north London once his Southampton contract had officially expired and would ultimately extend his stay until 2025.
Forster made 34 Spurs appearances in total and four in the Europa League last season. He received a winner’s medal despite being absent from the final, but left weeks later and is now back on the south coast with Bournemouth.
Teddy Sheringham
Tottenham announced in May 2001 that legendary striker Teddy Sheringham would be returning, years after a first spell in which he scored 98 goals in all competitions. He had spend the intervening period at Manchester United, winning the Treble under Sir Alex Ferguson in the 1998/99 season.
Glenn Hoddle, Spurs’ manager at the time, was a huge fan and had regularly selected Sheringham at international level during a stint as England manager. This history helped Spurs secure a pre-contract agreement to bring the 35 year old back to north London when his deal at Old Trafford expired.
Spurs finished ninth and reached the League Cup final in Sheringham’s first campaign back at White Hart Lane, their strongest finish in six years. His second stint yielded 26 goals across 80 appearances, and he ultimately retired aged 42 after stints with Portsmouth, West Ham and Colchester United.
Brad Friedel
Tottenham pulled off a shrewd piece of business by snapping up experienced goalkeeper Friedel on a free transfer in June 2011. The USA legend arrived on a two-year deal after more than 100 appearances for previous club Aston Villa.
During his time at Spurs, the goalkeeper became the oldest player to appear in a Premier League fixture and was a regular as they secured fourth place under Harry Redknapp in 2011/12. He made 67 appearances for the club before hanging up his boots at the end of the 2014/15 campaign.
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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