A new chapter is dawning at Tottenham Hotspur under the guidance of Thomas Frank. After a 2024/25 season that saw the club finish surprisingly low in the Premier League standings, partly hampered by a porous defence, the focus is squarely on reinforcing the squad. While attacking talent is on the radar – West Ham`s Mohammed Kudus is a notable target – the urgent need for defensive solidity cannot be overstated.
The Defensive Dilemma: A Look Back
Last season’s defensive record was, to put it mildly, concerning. Spurs found themselves near the bottom of the league table when it came to goals conceded, a statistic that starkly highlighted the vulnerabilities at the back. Ranking 17th in the league for goals conceded (65), this is precisely the area new boss Frank, renowned for building defensively robust teams at Brentford, is expected to address.
Romero`s Shadow and the Need for Depth
Adding complexity to the defensive picture is the future of star centre-back Cristian Romero. The tenacious Argentine, a World Cup winner and undoubtedly one of the Premier League`s best defenders when fit, has faced periods on the sidelines due to injury. Now, interest from clubs like Atletico Madrid, with reports of a £60 million valuation, raises the possibility of his departure, which would leave a significant void or at least highlight the need for high-quality cover.
Enter Giorgio Scalvini: The £51m Target
It`s in this context that Giorgio Scalvini emerges as a prime target. Reports indicate that Tottenham, alongside other Premier League heavyweights like Manchester United and Newcastle United, are lining up moves for the promising Atalanta defender. The asking price? Around €60 million, translating to approximately £51 million. Discussions are reportedly set to commence in the coming weeks, signalling Spurs` serious intent to secure the young Italian`s signature.
Why Scalvini Could Be Spurs` Next Romero
So, why Scalvini? At just 21 years old, the Italian is already considered a top prospect, hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig as having the “potential to become one of the best centre-backs on the planet.” His connection to Tottenham runs deeper than just being a potential signing; Cristian Romero himself arrived at Spurs from Atalanta, suggesting a pipeline of defensive talent from the Bergamo club that Tottenham`s recruitment team seems keen to tap into.
Scalvini`s 2024/25 season was unfortunately marred by injury, limiting his appearances significantly. However, looking at his statistics from the more representative 2023/24 campaign reveals a player with traits strikingly similar to Romero, and in some areas, even showing a slight edge:
| Stats (per 90) | Romero (24/25) | Scalvini (23/24) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals + assists | 0.06 | 0.14 |
| Touches | 87.52 | 65.94 |
| Pass completion | 89.5% | 81.3% |
| Progressive passes | 4.51 | 4.10 |
| Shot-creating actions | 1.27 | 1.52 |
| Progressive carries | 0.76 | 1.06 |
| Successful take-ons | 0.06 | 0.53 |
| Ball recoveries | 5.72 | 5.77 |
| Tackles + interceptions | 3.56 | 3.96 |
| Clearances | 3.62 | 2.51 |
| Aerial duels (%) | 2.61 (60%) | 2.82 (67%) |
Data via FBref (Romero 24/25, Scalvini 23/24)
As the numbers suggest, Scalvini demonstrated a notable ability to carry the ball forward (higher progressive carries and successful take-ons), contribute to attacking plays (higher shot-creating actions and goals + assists per 90), and engage effectively in defensive duels (slightly higher tackles+interceptions and aerial duel success rate in his last full season). He also possesses a certain competitive edge, picking up yellow cards that, while needing discipline, underscore a needed determination in the backline – a trait not unfamiliar to Romero himself.
Frank`s Influence on Development
Signing Scalvini would undoubtedly be an investment in the future. He`s not the finished article, and his recent injury record is a factor to consider. However, under Thomas Frank`s tutelage, a manager known for instilling defensive discipline and significantly improving players, Scalvini could find the perfect environment to refine his raw talent and develop into the defensive linchpin Spurs desperately need – perhaps even living up to the “next Romero” tag.
Conclusion: A Key Piece in the Puzzle?
Tottenham`s pursuit of Scalvini underscores their commitment to rebuilding the squad after a challenging season. Whether as a partner for Romero or his eventual successor, securing the young Italian international would be a significant step towards building a more solid foundation for the Thomas Frank era. The coming weeks will be crucial as talks begin, determining if this promising Atalanta gem will trade the Italian mountains for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
