Newcastle still watching Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez

Newcastle United are reportedly still watching AS Roma central defender Roger Ibanez ahead of a potential move this summer.

The Lowdown: Ibanez profiled

Ibanez has played in every single minute that he has been available in the Serie A so far this season, and has made 34 appearances in total over all competitions, scoring three goals from centre-back (Transfermarkt).

Journalist Josh Bunting has previously hailed him as a ‘danger in the opposition box‘, as he ranks in the 80th percentile for non-penalty goals and 74th for non-penalty xG per game of all centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year (FBRef).

The Latest: Newcastle still watching Ibanez

As per Italian news outlet Forza Roma, Newcastle, as well as fellow Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, are ‘still watching’ Ibanez, after failing to sign him in 2022.

Roma are thought to be looking for at least €50m (£44m) to sell him this summer, and there is reportedly an €80m (£70m) release clause in his current contract.

The Verdict: Sign him up!

Ibanez would offer Eddie Howe another solid option in the heart of the defence for next season, and would give an extra goal threat from the back, with their current centre-half options not getting more than one goal each over all competitions so far this term.

Aside from his attacking threat, the six-foot-one colossus is also shrewd defensively, ranking in the 93rd percentile for interceptions as well as in the 84th for tackles per match, while he is also very comfortable on the ball, placing in the 82nd for successful take-ons, and 77th for pass completion rate (FBRef).

As a Brazilian, Ibanez should be able to settle in fairly quickly at St. James’ Park with the likes of Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes already at the club, while the 24-year-old also incidentally shares the same agent as the latter, which could help push a deal through next summer.

Nonetheless, if the Magpies want to compete in Europe as well as the Premier League in the next campaign, they will need to build a stronger squad, and Ibanez would be the perfect competitor for the likes of Sven Botman and Fabian Schar.

Still, they will have to weigh up whether paying as much as £44m will be worth it, with Ibanez still at a good age at 24, and with plenty of potential to improve in the North East, should he make the move.