This summer, the Lilywhites are looking for a new center-back.
According to Italian media reports, Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies might be part of a Spurs exchange deal to sign Roma striker Roger Ibanez.
Who will the Spurs bring in this summer?
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is thought to be planning for the 2022/2023 season behind the scenes, despite not formally commencing work until Saturday.
Tottenham have reportedly had transfer planning discussions with chairman Daniel Levy, leading to interest in a wide range of players, while Empoli have already completed a deal for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
The Lilywhites are also thought to be keen in signing Leicester City player James Maddison, with negotiations progressing towards a deal that would put an end to their extended hunt for an attacking midfielder.
However, one area in which Spurs may require reinforcements is at centre-back, especially given that no other top-flight team higher than 15th surrendered more goals than them previous season.
As a result, it is reported that Tottenham have selected a number of contenders for the position, including Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, and Juventus sensation Gleison Bremer (The Telegraph).
Ibanez, who excelled briefly for Roma last season, has also been linked with a transfer to north London.
According to Leggo, as related by Corriere Giallo Rosso.com, there is an interesting line on this, with a possible swap deal in the works.
Indeed, it has been suggested that Spurs defender Davies may be used as a makeweight in a “hypothetical exchange” for the Brazilian, given Jose Mourinho’s admiration for the former.
There isn’t much else reported in terms of specifics, but a Tottenham exchange for Ibanez appears to be a possibility.
What have others said about Roger Ibanez?
Ibanez had very outstanding figures for Roma past season, recording more Serie A interceptions per 90 minutes than anybody else on the team (WhoScored).
The 24-year-old was also among their best in terms of successful tackles and clearances per 90 minutes, which may have piqued Tottenham’s interest.
Former Roma fullback Vincent Candela has even suggested that he might become one of the greatest in the world at his position, but with a caveat that his “concentration” could improve.
“Ibanez has the potential to become one of the world’s best defenders,” Candela stated.
“However, he needs to work on his concentration.” It’s a pity, because following his derby gaffe, something changed for the rest of the team.”
Mourinho also described Ibanez as a “untouchable” component of his squad early in the season, so it will be interesting to see if they split ways.
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