---
title: "Tottenham ‘firmly’ in race for gifted defender to succeed Van de Ven and Romero: “Destined for greatness”"
canonical: "https://readtottenham.com/2026/04/13/tottenham-firmly-in-race-for-gifted-defender-to-succeed-van-de-ven-and-romero/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Aditya Singh"
section: "Tottenham News"
published: "2026-04-13T16:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-04-13T16:00:00Z"
---

# Tottenham ‘firmly’ in race for gifted defender to succeed Van de Ven and Romero: “Destined for greatness”

**Tottenham Hotspur have slipped into the relegation zone of the Premier League, sitting two points behind West Ham.**

The north London side suffered a demoralizing 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland on Sunday. The reality of a potential relegation is here in flesh now for one of the richest clubs in the world. With six games remaining, a turnaround appears really tough.

Amidst this, they are also preparing for a big exodus of players in the summer. Many Spurs players have been linked with a move away, even if they stay in the Premier League next season.

## **Tottenham identify Giorgio Scalvini as potential target**

Spurs have struggled defensively this season despite having defensive managers and having fewer injuries than last season.

Moreover, most of their centre-backs have been linked with a move away this summer. [Micky van de Ven appears set to leave Tottenham](https://readtottenham.com/2026/02/24/what-sources-close-to-micky-van-de-ven-are-saying-about-his-tottenham-future/), while the futures of Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin are also under speculation.

> 🇮🇹🥶 Giorgio Scalvini (20) calm & composed at the back! ✨ [pic.twitter.com/lWSKbFrBSX](https://t.co/lWSKbFrBSX)
>
> — EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) [January 9, 2024](https://twitter.com/eurofootcom/status/1744748682052862402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

To replace them, the north London side have added Scalvini ‘firmly’ on their radar, as per [TeamTalk](https://www.teamtalk.com/tottenham-hotspur/de-zerbi-major-defensive-changes-atalanta-star-giorgio-scalvini-targeted-sources). The Italian centre-back has been excellent since coming through Atalanta’s academy and has made 130 senior appearances for them.

Scalvini is just 22 but has already made a big mark in Serie A. He has played in different systems, including a back 3 and even in central midfield due to his ball-playing ability. He has also recorded eight goals and five assists. Piero Gasperini said about a 19-year-old Scalvini in 2023 (h/t [Football Italia](https://www.footitalia.com/news/gasperini-scalvini-is-destined-for-greatness/)):

“He is already a great player at 19: he is a leader on and off the pitch. He’s destined for greatness. Wherever you put him, he has quality and class.”

**Also Read:** [Tottenham want 24-year-old ‘leader’ – Bergvall and Kulusevski will absolutely love this](https://readtottenham.com/2026/04/13/tottenham-want-24-year-old-leader-bergvall-and-kulusevski-will-absolutely-love-this/)

The Italy international’s contract with Atalanta expires in 2028, and as per Transfermarkt, his market value is €30 million. However, the Italian side will likely demand a higher fee. Notably, Tottenham also signed Romero from Atalanta in 2021, and he has largely been excellent for them.

## **Good fit but concerning injury record**

Tottenham have appointed De Zerbi as their permanent head coach, giving him a five-year deal. His playing style typically involves highly technical players and centre-backs who are good on the ball. Hence, Scalvini will fit like a glove in his system in multiple positions.

> 🇮🇹🪄 Giorgio Scalvini (22) with a brilliant goal for Atalanta. Not bad for a central defender. 🥵 [pic.twitter.com/1OJmnAthJO](https://t.co/1OJmnAthJO)
>
> — EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) [April 9, 2026](https://twitter.com/eurofootcom/status/2042170905481367692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

However, there will be concerns regarding his injuries, especially with Spurs’ horrific injury record. Scalvini suffered an ACL injury in the 2023-24 season. He has faced multiple consistent injury issues since then in the shoulder, adductor, and knee. He has missed 14 games this season alone.

**Also Read:** [Tottenham dealt massive blow in pursuit of Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi](https://readtottenham.com/2026/04/09/tottenham-dealt-massive-blow-in-pursuit-of-bournemouth-defender-marcos-senesi/)

Hence, with Tottenham’s medical staff and the intensity of the Premier League, it could be a huge risk. Moreover, Newcastle are also interested in the Italian defender. One would expect Spurs to remain in the English top-flight to have any chance of signing Scalvini this summer.