Tottenham Eye Evan Ndicka Deal from Roma; North London 2026

Key Points

• Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing AS Roma centre-back Evan Ndicka, according to Gazzetta dello Sport
• Roma are prepared to sell Ndicka for £30 million to gain a capital gain, with urgency to complete the sale before June 30 due to financial pressures
• Tottenham compete with Newcastle United and Bournemouth for the 26-year-old Ivorian defender
• Roma finished in Serie A’s top four, ending a seven-year Champions League wait, but remain in precarious financial position
• Tottenham have already confirmed free transfers for left-back Andy Robertson and centre-back Marcos Senesi during early summer
• Tottenham possess Micky van de Ven as one of the best left centre-backs, with Senesi providing cover and Ben Davies able to slot into the position
• Real Madrid and Liverpool have been credited with interest in van de Ven, potentially changing Spurs’ defensive strategy
• Ndicka is valued at €35 million by Roma, who intravede una plusvalenza (capital gain) from the sale
• Roberto De Zerbi has been appointed as Tottenham manager on a five-year contract through June 2031, aiming to revamp the squad after relegation escape
• Ben Davies signed a new contract extension through 2026/27 season after being expected to become free agent

Tottenham (North London News) June 12, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur are actively pursuing AS Roma centre-back Evan Ndicka as Roberto De Zerbi seeks to strengthen his defensive unit following the club’s narrow relegation escape last season. As reported by the editorial team at Gazzetta dello Sport, the north London giants have joined Newcastle United and Bournemouth in the race for the 26-year-old Ivory Coast international, with Roma prepared to sanction Ndicka’s sale for £30 million to achieve a capital gain.

Why Is Tottenham Pursuing Ndicka Despite Having Van de Ven and Senesi?

The transfer move appears surprising given Tottenham’s current defensive roster. As noted in the Gazzetta dello Sport report, Spurs possess Micky van de Ven, described as “one of the best left centre-backs,” and have just signed another left-footed central defender Marcos Senesi to provide cover. Additionally, Ben Davies can slot into the position if required, particularly after signing his contract extension through the 2026/27 season.

However, the scenario could change dramatically if van de Ven departs. As reported by Defensa Central and referenced in multiple transfer outlets, Real Madrid are eyeing a summer move for van de Ven, with the Dutch defender “waiting for a call from Real Madrid”.

Liverpool have also shown significant interest in the Dutchman, making him a “major target” for the Anfield club. With Tottenham valuing van de Ven at £100 million due to his three years remaining on contract, De Zerbi may be preparing for speculation by securing Ndicka as a replacement.

What Does Roma’s Financial Position Mean for Ndicka’s Sale?

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma ended a seven-year Champions League wait with a top-four Serie A finish, beating local rivals Lazio 2-0 in a feisty derby to strengthen their top-four bid. However, the Giallorossi remain in a precarious financial position and need to balance their books before June 30.

As reported by the Italian outlet, Roma will be “costretta a sacrificare un big per questioni di Ffp” (forced to sacrifice a big player for FFP reasons), with many indicators pointing to Ndicka.

The Serie A side values the defender at €35 million and “intravede una plusvalenza” (foresees a capital gain) from the sale. Roma are prepared to sanction Ndicka’s sale for £30 million which would provide this capital gain, and they are determined to complete the transaction this month to ease their financial burden before the fiscal year concludes.

This financial urgency creates a favourable window for Tottenham, as Roma’s need to balance books before June 30 could strengthen the north London club’s negotiating position.

How Do Newcastle and Bournemouth Compete for Ndicka?

Tottenham face significant competition in the Ndicka race. According to Sports Boom, as reported by CaughtOffside, both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are

“closely monitoring the 26-year-old defender, and they could look to make a move in the coming weeks”.

Bournemouth have also been linked with Ndicka in recent weeks, adding a third Premier League club to the competition.

As reported by Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina on X, Ndicka is wanted by

“three important abroad clubs, including one top Serie A outfit,”

suggesting European competition beyond the Premier League. Liverpool and Manchester United have also been credited with interest in the Ivorian defender, according to multiple transfer sources.

Newcastle need to tighten up at the back and require

“long-term alternatives to players like Dan Burn and Fabian Schar,”

according to CaughtOffside’s analysis. Similarly, Bournemouth, from whom Senesi just departed, may be seeking defensive reinforcement after losing their Argentine centre-back to Tottenham.

What Did Roberto De Zerbi Say About Tottenham’s Defensive Strategy?

Roberto De Zerbi was appointed as Tottenham manager in March 2026 on a five-year contract through June 2031, with his primary task being to ensure the club remains in the Premier League after entering relegation danger. The Italian manager called Andy Robertson “a proven winner at the highest level” after Tottenham signed the Liverpool left-back for free.

As reported by CaughtOffside, De Zerbi wants to add more depth to the defensive unit, and signing Ndicka “could be ideal”. The 26-year-old has

“the recovery pace and physicality to operate in a highline and a pressing system,”

making him

“the ideal fit for the Italian style of football”.

Ndicka is

“quite capable with the ball at his feet and a technically gifted player as well,”

according to the analysis.

Cristian Romero has been linked with an exit to Atletico Madrid, meaning Tottenham

“need to replace him properly”.

It remains to be seen whether De Zerbi can convince Roma to sell Ndicka ahead of Newcastle and Bournemouth.

How Did Tottenham’s Defensive Record Last Season Influence This Move?

Tottenham were

“quite poor at the back last season, and they finished 17th in the League table,”

according to CaughtOffside. The club will look to

“bounce back strongly and compete towards the top end of the table next season,”

necessitating defensive improvements.

As reported by CHOSUNBIZ, De Zerbi was appointed “to rescue club from relegation” after Tottenham became the club’s third manager of the season amid relegation danger. The manager’s primary task remains ensuring Premier League survival, making defensive solidity crucial.

Tottenham have now successfully completed two free agent signings planned since April, with Robertson followed by Senesi joining on four-year contracts valid until June 2030. Robertson lands in London as

“De Zerbi’s first big bet, a free signing aimed at bringing solidity and hierarchy to a Tottenham”.

Senesi played 128 times for Bournemouth in all competitions over four seasons before his contract expired.

Despite these signings, Ndicka would provide additional depth. As CaughtOffside noted, “Tottenham would do well to secure his signature” given their defensive struggles.

Background: Evan Ndicka’s Career and AS Roma’s Financial Situation

Evan Ndicka is a 26-year-old Ivory Coast international centre-back who has been a reliable defender for AS Roma since joining the Italian club. The defender remains under contract with Roma until June 30, 2028, according to Africa Soccer. Jose Mourinho has hailed Ndicka for his “great” displays in the past, indicating the player’s quality at the highest level.

Ndicka has been widely reported as wanted by multiple clubs across Europe. According to TBR Football, Tottenham are among several clubs eyeing a move for Ndicka, having scouted the 25-year-old (now 26) this season and potentially ready to go for him when the transfer window reopened in June.

Vivo Football claims Tottenham are reportedly ready to put €50 million on the table to land Ndicka this summer, with Italian sources specifically SoloLaRoma claiming the north London club have put the defender at the top of their wishlist to strengthen defence for the 2026/27 season.

AS Roma’s financial position has become increasingly precarious despite their Champions League return. The club secured top-four finishes with AC Milan, both sitting level on 70 points in third and fourth place respectively, facing fierce pressure from Como and Juventus trailing two points behind on 68 points. Roma took a huge step towards returning to the Champions League by beating Lazio 2-0, with both teams finishing the feisty derby down to 10 men.

However, the Giallorossi must balance their books before June 30, creating urgency for player sales. The summer transfer window for Serie A opens officially on June 29, 2026, when clubs can officially deposit contracts for new players.

The market closes September 1 at 20:00, meaning many trattative (negotiations) are already underway, particularly for preliminary agreements and operations set up during the previous season.

Ndicka draws interest across the Premier League, with Newcastle and Tottenham reportedly already inquiring about the player considering a move during the summer transfer window. The Ivorian defender is set for a Roma exit amid growing Premier League interest, with the Serie A side reportedly willing to listen to offers placing a price tag of €40 million on the defender.

Prediction: How Ndicka’s Potential Arrival Could affect Tottenham Fans and the Premier League

If Tottenham successfully secure Ndicka, North London fans will see significant defensive reinforcement following last season’s 17th-place finish.

The Ivorian’s “recovery pace and physicality” would directly address the defensive vulnerabilities that plagued De Zerbi’s first season. Fans who witnessed Tottenham’s poor defensive record will appreciate the addition of a technically gifted player capable of operating in high-line pressing systems.

The timing of Ndicka’s potential arrival could be crucial for fan confidence. With van de Ven waiting for Real Madrid’s call and Romero linked to Atletico Madrid, Ndicka provides insurance against defensive departures. Tottenham supporters fearing another relegation battle will see the £30 million signing as a strategic investment, particularly given Roma’s financial urgency creating favourable negotiating conditions.

However, fans may question whether Ndicka represents the best use of resources when Tottenham already possess van de Ven, Senesi, and contract-extended Davies.

The surprise element of pursuing another left-footed defender when van de Ven excels in that position could generate debate among supporters about De Zerbi’s defensive strategy.

Premier League Competitive Implications

Ndicka’s arrival would strengthen Tottenham’s challenge for top-end table competition next season. CaughtOffside noted Tottenham

“will look to bounce back strongly”

after their poor defensive record, making Ndicka

“a step in the right direction”.

The 26-year-old’s peak career status means he could make

“an immediate impact in the Premier League”.

For Newcastle and Bournemouth, losing Ndicka to Tottenham would intensify their defensive struggles. Newcastle need

“long-term alternatives to Dan Burn and Fabian Schar,”

while Bournemouth lost Senesi to the same club. Ndicka’s departure to north London could widen the gap between these clubs and Tottenham in the competitive hierarchy.

The transfer also reflects Premier League financial dominance over Serie A. Roma’s need for a £30 million capital gain demonstrates how Italian clubs’ financial pressures drive sales to English clubs, continuing the pattern of Premier League wealth influencing European transfer markets.

Long-term Squad Building Considerations

De Zerbi’s five-year contract through 2031 suggests sustained investment in defensive infrastructure. Ndicka, contracted until 2028 at Roma, would provide long-term stability if signed.

The Italian manager’s style emphasises pressing systems and high lines, making Ndicka’s physicality and pace “ideal fit” for his philosophy.

If van de Ven departs to Real Madrid, Ndicka becomes essential rather than supplementary. Tottenham fans should expect Ndicka to potentially inherit van de Ven’s role, with the £100 million-valued Dutchman’s departure creating a significant void.

This scenario would validate De Zerbi’s precautionary approach to defensive recruitment.