According to Roma Giallorossa, Tottenham and Newcastle both tried to sign Roger Ibanez before settling on Clement Lenglet and Sven Botman respectively.
What’s the story?
Well, back in July, Spurs signed the France international from Barcelona on loan for the 2022/23 campaign.
Newcastle actually managed to secure Botman on a permanent basis, as the Magpies agreed a £32m deal for the Dutchman with Lille.
However, Roma Giallorossa believe neither defender was the first choice option.
The Italian news outlet claim that both Premier League sides made more than one enquiry for Ibanez, after Roma triggered an extension clause in his contract which saw an €80m (£70m) purchase option become active.
Interest from Tottenham and Newcastle came after the Brazilian helped Roma win the UEFA Conference League last season, making 51 appearances in all competitions while also scoring four goals.
So far this term, Ibanez has continued to be a key man for José Mourinho, playing every minute of the Serie A campaign so far.
Tottenham & Newcastle are better off
In our view, Tottenham and Newcastle are better off without Ibanez for now.
That is not to say that the South American is a bad player, because he most certainly isn’t.
However, £70m is a lot of money, and Spurs are far better off taking someone like Lenglet on loan for a season before deciding to make such a huge financial commitment.
In Newcastle’s case, Botman is a superb defender who looks set to become one of the best in Europe within a few years, so nobody on Tyneside can suggest Ibanez at £70m would have been a better signing.
It is also worth mentioning that a deal like that may have impacted Financial Fair Play budgets for Eddie Howe, so the £63m deal for Alexander Isak might not have happened if Ibanez arrived.
Having said that, keep an eye on this situation, as Tottenham could resurrect their interest depending on how Lenglet fares during his loan.
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