23-year-old now named in Europe’s best XI after Newcastle failed to sign him in the summer

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During the summer transfer window, Newcastle attempted to sign Roger Ibanez from Roma.

Eddie Howe was in the market for a new central defender, and the Brazilian was on his shortlist alongside Sven Botman, who eventually joined the Magpies in a £32m deal.

While the Dutchman is yet to get going on Tyneside – he has even withdrawn from international duty to focus on Newcastle – Ibanez has been flying at Roma.

What’s the story?

Well, we may only be a couple of months into the season, although it could already be argued that Newcastle missed out on the better defender.

Ibanez has now been named in Europe’s best statistic XI by WhoScored after a stunning start to the 2022/23 campaign, earning an average match rating of 7.42 for Roma.

The 23-year-old has played every minute in Serie A for far this term in his seven appearances, with Tottenham also expressing an interest in his talents.

Ibanez has even earned a call-up to the Brazil squad for the first time ever thanks to his form under José Mourinho, and what a time for it to happen ahead of the World Cup in November.

Of course, Botman is a tremendous player and we fully expect him to become a star at Newcastle, but as things stand, the South American has definitely enjoyed the better campaign.

Newcastle could revisit Roger Ibanez deal

If Ibanez maintains this form, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Newcastle make a summer push for his signature.

The Magpies have obviously signed Botman, although that doesn’t mean Howe has no future plans to continue strengthening that department and find upgrades on the likes of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn.

Ibanez does have a £70m release clause written into his contract at Roma, and we can’t see Mourinho accepting anything less if his No.3 continues this stunning form.

However, Newcastle are now one of the richest clubs on the planet, so with other defenders such as Virgil van Dijk and Harry Maguire moving for fees close to £70m, it isn’t unfathomable to think Howe might make a similar move.