Premier League duo Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United like Roma defender Roger Ibanez and former Serie A ace Vincent Candela believes he will ‘become one of the best in the world’, speaking to Corriere dello Sport.
Like many young centre-halves, it’s Ibanez’s concentration and decision-making that needs some work. In terms of natural, raw talent, there are few better or more promising up-and-coming defenders in Europe.
Iron out those kinks and Ibanez, who turned 24 last month, could join the elite sooner rather than later.
“Ibanez will become one of the strongest defenders in the world,” explains Candela; a key part of Fabio Capello’s Scudetto-winning Roma side in 2000/01.
“But he has to work a little on concentration.”
Tottenham and Newcastle like Roma’s Brazil international Roger Ibanez
According to Roma Giallorossi, both Newcastle and Tottenham made attempts to bring Ibanez to the Premier League during the summer transfer window. Fabio Paratici, Spurs’ managing director, is reportedly a big admirer of the once-capped Brazil international.
Roma, however, have triggered an extension clause in Ibanez’s contract. One that has raised his release clause to an eye-watering £70 million.
“I can only thank (Jose) Mourinho,” explains Ibanez, who joined Roma from Atalanta a couple of years ago (Globo Esporte). “Since he arrived, he has given me confidence. He has left me free to do what I want on the pitch.
“He’s added so much to my career.”
Ibanez scored the winner against Tottenham in a pre-season clash between Mourinho’s old employers and his current ones in June. The Brazilian may still be on Paratici’s radar heading into 2023, though Spurs appear to be prioritising a different sort of defender as things stand. A left-footed one, to be precise.
Josko Gvardiol, Alessandro Bastoni, Piero Hincapie and Spezia’s Poland international Jakub Kiwior are all reportedly on Tottenham’s radar. An indication, perhaps, that Clement Lenglet may not be retained when his loan spell from Barcelona comes to an end.
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