Jose Mourinho is interested in reuniting with his former Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon, as the Portuguese strives to strengthen his defence at Serie A side Roma this year.
The Giallorossi appointed Mourinho to the Stadio Olimpico helm last summer on a three-year contract after Spurs sacked the tactician. But he would only guide the Rome outfit to a sixth-place finish during the 59-year-old’s debut Italian top-flight campaign at the helm.
- Crystal Palace’s 22/23 XI with £20M West Ham target leading 4 new signings
- Jude Bellingham and Celtic ace lead Birmingham XI if they ket their top stars
Roma would additionally only register the sixth-best defence, having conceded 43 goals in 38 games. Mourinho also called on the services of five players to occupy central defensive roles last season, with Roger Ibanez (34) and Gianluca Mancini (33) utilised the most often.
Jose Mourinho interested in Tottenham ace Joe Rodon joining him at Roma
Now, Gianluca Di Marzio notes Mourinho is interested in his former Tottenham centre-half Rodon joining him at Roma. The Portuguese has identified the Welshman as an option who can improve the Giallorossi backline, knowing Spurs are prepared to send him out on loan.
Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto met Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici to discuss a possible deal for Rodon this week. The Stadio Olimpico chief sought to learn the conditions Tottenham would set to free the 24-year-old for the next season, or potentially for longer.
Mourinho was behind Rodon’s move to Tottenham in 2020 after pushing the north London outfit to sign a central defender. Spurs would pay Swansea City an initial £11m, rising up to £15m with add-ons, for the 28-cap ace. But he has only played 24 games for the club since.
Rodon has additionally only played 15 Premier League matches and started just eight since moving to Tottenham. While of his 815 minutes of top-flight action to date, just 86 came in the 2021/22 term, and just two of his games for eight minutes came under Antonio Conte.
So, should Rodon now leave Tottenham for Serie A this summer with Mourinho interested in the Swansea-born ace joining Roma, what British players can he draw inspiration from?
Rodon can take inspiration from Hitchens amid Roma interest in Tottenham ace
Rodon can take inspiration the most for British players enjoying successful spells in Serie A from Gerry Hitchens, amid Mourinho’s interest in the Tottenham defender joining Roma in the summer sales. The former England striker enjoyed 204 outings in the Italian top-flight.
Hitchens switched British shores for Serie A in 1961 by leaving Aston Villa for Inter Milan. He would go on to add Torino, Atalanta and Cagliari to his CV, before returning home with Worcester City in 1969. The Cannock-born star also helped Inter win the title in 1962/63.
Charles can offer Rodon title-winning inspiration amid interest from Roma
John Charles can also offer Rodon Italian top-flight title-winning inspiration, amid interest from Roma and Mourinho in the Tottenham ace. He won three Serie A crowns at Juventus, along with two Copa Italia titles and ended the 1957/58 season as the league’s top-scorer.
The 38-cap Wales international hit home 28 goals on route to Juventus winning the Serie A title that term. Charles and the Bianconeri later added further titles in 1959/60 and ‘60/61, as he amassed 151 Serie A appearances – before adding another 10 with Roma in 1962/63.
Platt enjoyed a century of Italian top-flight games in three-club career
David Platt enjoyed a century of Italian top-flight games between spells with Bari, Juventus and Sampdoria between 1991 and ‘95. The 62-cap England midfielder moved to Italy from Aston Villa after three years in Birmingham, and later returned home with Arsenal in 1995.
The Chadderton-born ace tasted domestic and European success during his spell in Italy, as well. Platt helped Juventus win the UEFA Cup in 1992/93 and lifted the ‘93/94 Coppa Italia at Sampdoria. He made 29 Serie A outings for Bari, 16 for Juve and 55 for Sampdoria.
Francis tested himself in Italy after double European Cup title triumph
Trevor Francis tested himself in Italy between 1982 and 1987 with stints at Sampdoria and Atalanta. The 57-cap England forward would amass 88 Serie A appearances during his time in the country, split 67 at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium and 21 at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
Sampdoria signed Francis following a short stay at Manchester City in the 1981/82 season. He had spent the two campaigns prior with Nottingham Forest, where the Plymouth-born star lifted the European Cup twice. Francis added the ‘84/85 Coppa Italia with Sampdoria.
Mourinho interest could pair Rodon and Smalling at Roma with Tottenham exit
Mourinho’s interest in Rodon could see the Portuguese pair the Tottenham defender with Chris Smalling at Roma next term. The Englishman made the move to the Stadio Olimpico on loan for the 2019/20 season for £2.5m, before a £13.5m up to £18m permanent switch.
Paulo Fonseca signed Smalling from Manchester United during his time in charge at Roma before Mourinho took over. The 31-cap England international has since gone on to reach 73 appearances in Serie A, with 27 – starting 23 – under Mourinho during the last campaign.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
