UDINE, ITALY - OCTOBER 03: Roger Ibanez of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and AS Roma at Dacia Arena on October 03, 2020 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
According to Leicestershire Live, Tottenham are said to be in the race for Roger Ibanez. The Atalanta defender on loan at Roma has impressed one and all with his performances. He has become an integral part of the side during his time there.
Roger Ibanez is a 22-year-old Brazilian centre-back who plays for Serie A side AS Roma, on loan from Atalanta. He started his career a bit late, when he was 18, at PRS FC in 2016 as a midfielder. The following year, he moved to Sergipe on loan. On his return, he was again sent on loan to Fluminense.
The Brazilian giants made his signing permanent as he went on to appear in 21 games for them. Last season, he was signed by Atalanta. He found game time hard to come by and was allowed to leave on loan to AS Roma midway through the season.
Since then, he has been a rock in their side, proving to be an indispensable asset. He is scheduled to return to Atalanta at the end of this season. Ibanez is currently a part of the Brazil U-23 side, making 5 appearances so far.
Tottenham had one of their best transfer windows in recent times as they managed to bolster key areas of the squad. Perhaps one area they left a bit to be desired is the central defence. Toby Alderweireld’s age is starting to show with injuries and Eric Dier is still a makeshift centre-back.
With Vertonghen and Foyth departing, it left the department a little light in terms of quality and quantity. They did manage to sign Joe Rodon from Swansea but he is too young to be starting games on a regular basis. He has looked immensely shaky in the games he has played.
Roger Ibanez would be a good signing for the club come next season. He would have completed a good, learning spell at Roma and would be ready to take on the challenges of top-flight football.
At 22, he represents a huge investment opportunity for the club as he can play as an understudy to the likes of Alderweireld and Dier now and eventually take over.