Fulham interested in AS Roma’s Brazilian defender Roger Ibanez
By Manuel Meza
Although strong interests and conversations from Fulham for Igor Júlio had already been reported, it seems that the order of priorities has changed: now the Fiorentina player is considered option B, while the primary name for the board would be Roger Ibáñez, defender of AS Roma. This is reported by Lorenzo Lepore, an Italian journalist.
The London club, in view of the possible departure of Tosin Adarabioyo and the severe injury to Tim Ream, would only have Issa Diop for the start of the season, which is why it is urgent to reinforce the central defense. Likewise, it is essential to find a footballer whose characteristics are ideal for Marco Silva, who has participated in one of the defenses with the highest xGOT overperformance rate (goals conceded in relation to expected goals conceded), conceding 11.5 fewer goals than expected.
Roger Ibáñez emerges as Fulham’s priority option
Roma values the Brazilian at around €17M, or at least that’s what they indicated to Tottenham, who also showed interest in Ibáñez a few days ago. In this sense, incorporating a Europa League finalist who has been scouted by higher-level clubs would have a positive impact on the cottager squad. In addition, taking into account that Roger would feel good at the club since he does not suffer too much when it comes to going back, and he is a leader in sticking out his foot and stealing balls to the limit.
The South American, although he has been erratic at many times, has had a good season under the command of José Mourinho. His height makes him superior in the air, which is why he has scored three goals in Serie A among his 33 appearances, being one fundamental piece.
His only obstacle when assessing him as a central defender is his concentration, only 6% of the central defenders in the five major leagues make more control errors than him (0.83 per game), and he is second (tied with third and fourth ) defender who made the most errors that lead to goals in Serie A, with a total of two.
Despite being statistics of sporadic relevance, they are the ones that prohibit him from levelling up, added to the fact that his contributions with the ball do not deviate from the rule. However, his forte is solidity and forcefulness, something that Fulham may need throughout the season.