According to reports, Tottenham are interested in signing AS Roma defender Roger Ibanez.
What’s the story?
Reports in recent days had revealed that Jose Mourinho’s side had been keeping tabs over the Brazilian, and now it appears that they remain keen on bringing him to the Premier League.
Do Spurs need a new CB in the summer?
Yes!
No!
According to Voce Giallarossa (via Sport Witness), both Spurs and fellow Premier League side Leicester have been tracking Ibanez for some months, and that the “insinuation is that their interest will continue regardless of the contract renewal” – he only signed a new deal at Roma last week.
Perfect for Mourinho
Despite having numerous options at centre-back, including the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier, one thing Mourinho desperately lacks, is someone with a bit of pace in the middle. But in Ibanez, Daniel Levy could find exactly that.
Speaking to Roma TV, Ibanez himself said: “I’m fast and I have good technique. But I can show my ability only on the pitch. Before playing as a centre-back I had also played as a midfielder and I can still play that role as well”.
AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca has waxed lyrical about his centre-back’s abilities, saying: “It’s not easy to find fast, aggressive central defenders. But Roger has another side to his game. He has a lot of quality and courage on the ball.”
The Athletic revealed that “Fonseca loves moving him around the back three and will almost always match him up against the quickest player in the opposing attack.”
That extra pace and mobility is something Mourinho will surely absolutely love, and could give Spurs the chance to play a higher line and press further up the pitch. And, when you look at his stats this season compared to Dier’s, you can see why the north London side could land a decent upgrade on the England international.
As per Sofascore, Ibanez almost doubles the number of interceptions per game (1.7), wins more duels (4.3), commits half the amount of fouls (0.6), and loses possession far less too than Dier.
Levy must do everything to sign the £18m-rated Ibanez to give Mourinho an improved backline next season.
Meanwhile, Mourinho needs to deliver a trophy for Spurs or risk losing this star…