Spurs Defensive Boost
Tottenham Confirms Marcos Senesi Four-Year Free Transfer to Bolster Struggling Defense
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Key Points
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Tottenham’s deal was confirmed as a permanent signing on a free transfer, with the club noting it will be made official in league records from July 1—coinciding with the summer window’s official opening and the release/processing of required international paperwork.
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Senesi arrived at Bournemouth in 2022 from Feyenoord for €15 million, and during his Tottenham build-up he is described as “ball-playing” and specifically praised for being able to play comfortably in a possession-based side while offering a “competitive edge.”
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Beyond conceding 122 goals, Spurs’ struggles were severe in league terms: they finished 17th—“just above the relegation zone”—in both of the seasons referenced.
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On the international front, Senesi has played three matches for Argentina and was left out of the final list for the 2026 World Cup, though his club form is described as keeping “alive the expectation of new call-ups.”
Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Argentine centre-back Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Bournemouth, with the 29-year-old agreeing to a four-year deal running until June 2030. The transfer becomes official in league records on July 1, pending international clearance. Sky Sports reported the announcement came on June 10, 2026.
Senesi joins as part of a deliberate defensive overhaul under head coach Roberto De Zerbi. Tottenham conceded 122 goals over the past two Premier League seasons and finished 17th — just above the relegation zone — in both campaigns, according to SuperSport.
Bournemouth's Top Defender Arrives at No Cost
Senesi joined Bournemouth from Feyenoord in 2022 for €15 million. He spent four seasons on the south coast, making 128 appearances in total. In 2025–26, he played 37 of 38 Premier League matches. He led all Premier League defenders with 56 interceptions and recorded 47 blocks — 25 more than Tottenham's own top blocker, Micky van de Ven, per Premier League data.
His five assists were the most of any centre-back in the division last season. He also completed 1,839 passes — the most of any Bournemouth player. Because his contract expired, Tottenham paid nothing to bring him in, Goal.com reported.
De Zerbi Drives a Possession-First Defensive Reset
De Zerbi was appointed in late March 2026 to stabilize a club that had cycled through multiple managers, including Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor. He has quickly shaped Tottenham's recruitment around his style of play. "Marcos' experience, quality on the ball, and competitive edge will strengthen us defensively," De Zerbi said, per Goal.com. "He's comfortable in a possession-based team and reads the game very well."
Sporting director Johan Lange backed the decision. "Marcos brings a combination of quality, intelligence, and leadership," Lange said. Senesi himself added: "I want to win things with Tottenham and will do everything I can to make that happen," according to Sky Sports.
Free-Transfer Trend Follows Robertson's Arrival From Liverpool
Senesi is Tottenham's second major free signing of the summer. Left-back Andy Robertson arrived from Liverpool on June 5, just five days before the Senesi announcement, per The Independent. Both deals were planned well in advance. Football365 reported that Tottenham locked in both targets in April to prevent other clubs — including Liverpool — from moving in.
Fabrizio Romano called the approach a "masterclass in planning." Former Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld praised the move, saying the club is finally adding "leadership and Premier League experience" to a squad that struggled badly in a relegation battle, according to TEAMtalk.
World Cup Snub Leaves Door Open for Late Argentina Return
Despite his career-best season, Senesi was left out of Argentina's final 2026 World Cup squad by coach Lionel Scaloni on May 28. He has earned just three caps for his country. However, Football London reported that he remains on standby following an injury to Leonardo Balerdi and has been training with specialists in Ibiza to stay sharp for a potential call-up.
Senesi's arrival also casts doubt on the future of club captain Cristian Romero. Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Romero, who has expressed a desire to leave, according to The Independent. Tottenham are also in active talks to sign Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke for around £50 million as the rebuild continues, per The Athletic.
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