Tottenham Hotspur has re-engaged Roma in talks about signing Roger Ibanez
Regardless of Antonio Conte’s status, Tottenham Hotspur has re-engaged Roma in talks about signing Roger Ibanez. There is rivalry for his move from West Ham United, however.
Calciomercato says Spurs want to sign Ibanez this summer regardless of Conte’s status as manager, and that the club is hoping to do so in the coming months. Premier League clubs are enthusiastic about the 24-year-old’s potential contributions in north London. However West Ham is also hoping for a deal.
Several Premier League teams are interested in signing Ibanez after seeing his performance in a prominent position for Roma, which they believe bodes well for his future in England. The one-cap Brazil international, who debuted with the Selecao in September, has started all 33 games he has played this season in all competitions for Jose Mourinho’s side.
During the summer of 2022, Tottenham contacted Roma about a possible move for Ibanez. Spurs competed with Newcastle United for the centre-back’s attention. The Giallorossi, though, were not keen on letting him go for anything less than €35m (£31m) at the time.
Notwithstanding Roma’s animosity from a year ago, Tottenham continues to hold the club in high regard. Spurs have reopened negotiations with the Serie A club to stave off rising competition from West Ham. But now the asking price is close to €50m (£44m), making it unaffordable for the London competition.
With an €80m (£70.5m) release clause written into his contract until 2025, the management at Stadio Olimpico is under no obligation to sell Ibanez for a bargain price. Yet Tiago Pinto, the director of sports, is open to proposals. He is trying to steer clear of any problems with Financial Fair Play.
Spurs have long been interested in Ibanez, and in 2020 they reportedly offered Roma €25 million (£22 million) to transfer him. Despite offering €8m (£7m) plus €2m (£1.75m) in add-ons to recruit a top centre-back from Atalanta in 2020, the Giallorossi rejected the offer.
To begin the year, Ibanez was loaned to the Stadio Olimpico. But, in the summer, Tottenham attempted to negotiate a trade. Nevertheless, Roma was hesitant to agree since Atalanta would be due 10% of any future fee if Roma decided to sell Ibanez before June 30, 2024.
If Ibanez were to depart Roma after June 30, 2024, the club would only have to pay Atalanta 10% of whatever profit they made on him. If La Dea is still playing for the Giallorossi when the first sell-on clause agreement expires, the club will have to pay him a one-time fee of €1 million (about £900,000).
