Tottenham Hotspur are ‘intensifying’ their pursuit of Roma defender Roger Ibanez with the Premier League club’s new manager Ange Postecoglou keen on the £25 million-rated centre-half.
Roger Ibanez deserves better than to be remembered at the Stadio Olimpico for that penalty miss in the UEFA Europa League final. The 24-year-old Brazil international saw his spot-kick tipped onto the post by Sevilla keeper Yassine Bounou; Jose Mourinho denied the chance to add to his growing collection of silverware-themed ink.
That, however, could yet prove to be Ibanez’s final kick of a ball in Roma colours.
The Roma Giallorossa website claim that Tottenham Hotspur – who have been keeping tabs on the former Atalanta youngster for the best part of 12 months – are now stepping up their pursuit with Postecoglou seemingly giving a move for Ibanez the green light.
The former Celtic boss is reportedly ‘an admirer’. No surprise really. Postecoglou prefers centre-halves comfortable with the ball at their feet, such is his proactive, possession-heavy gameplan.
Tottenham Hotspur step up pursuit of Roma’s Roger Ibanez
Ibanez completed 88 per cent of his passes in Serie A last term. 87 per cent in the Europa League. Numbers superior to those of Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez. Both of whom are likely to face an uncertain future under a coach who values brains over brawn, poise over presence (WhoScored).
Tottenham’s pursuit of David Raya – the goalkeeper with the most passes in the Premier League last term – is another indication of the club’s transition towards a style intended to monopolise possession.
“Ibanez can become one of the world’s best defenders,” Vincent Candela, who won the Scudetto under Fabio Capello at Roma, told Corriere dello Sport.
“But he must work on his concentration.”
Former Spurs boss Mourinho, meanwhile, has spoken in glowing terms about Ibanez’s personality and determination. Roma may be forced to cash in, however. The capital city club under pressure to raise around £25 million by the end of the month.
Ibanez has arguably become their most sellable asset too, after Tammy Abraham was ruled out for months with an ACL injury.
According to Roma Giallorossa, Tottenham could face competition from local rivals West Ham.
The Conference League winners are also in the market for defensive reinforcements; Angelo Ogbonna now 35 and Kurt Zouma enduring an injury-hit campaign under David Moyes.
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