Tottenham Hotspur Have Joined the Race to Sign £35m Serie A Star – Report | OneFootball

Tottenham Join Eye-Catching Race for Samuele Ricci – Smart Business or Summer Gamble?

Tottenham Hotspur have entered the fray for Torino’s gifted playmaker Samuele Ricci, according to The Boy Hotspur. The 23-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a standout Serie A campaign and now finds himself on the radar of several top clubs including Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Manchester City. With Spurs expected to overhaul their midfield this summer, Ricci has emerged as a prime target.

A reported price tag of €35-40 million (£30-35m) has been set by Torino, and their president, Urbano Cairo, appears open to doing business if that valuation is met. As The Boy Hotspur noted, “Torino want €35-40million (£30-35m) for the player and Premier League clubs, including Spurs, are closely monitoring his situation with a view to making a concrete move.”

Photo IMAGO

Spurs’ Midfield Under Scrutiny

Manager Ange Postecoglou has not yet settled on a reliable midfield combination. Despite some early promise, inconsistency and a lack of balance have plagued Tottenham in the engine room throughout the campaign. A deal to bring Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis for £21million is already lined up, but more reinforcement is clearly required.

There is strong speculation around the futures of both Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur. Bissouma, who arrived with much fanfare, has failed to establish himself as a consistent performer and is “almost certainly” expected to be moved on. Bentancur, meanwhile, is a known target for Atletico Madrid and could be lured to Spain if the right offer materialises.

In this context, Ricci’s name has taken on added significance.

Ricci: The Orchestrator Spurs Lack?

Ricci has earned rave reviews for his performances this season. His versatility allows him to play both as a defensive pivot and in a more progressive No.8 role – precisely the sort of flexibility that Postecoglou values in his midfielders.

His technical stats are impressive. He has completed almost 90% of his passes in Serie A this term, showcasing his ability to control tempo and dictate play from deep. His playing style has drawn comparisons to Andrea Pirlo, which is no small praise in Italian football.

Former Serie A coach Giacomo Ferri told reporters:

“Samuele [Ricci] has become a real gem.He now handles both phases of the game: he directs, creates, and finishes. His consistency is exceptional, and he has reached the level of the most celebrated midfielders seen at Torino.”

He added:

“I expect the national team coach to make him a key player for the upcoming matches. Moreover, Samuele is also a serious and modest guy, truly a treasure for the club.”

With eight caps for Italy, Ricci is starting to establish himself as a player of genuine international pedigree. His profile suggests a player ready to step up to a bigger league and, crucially, one who would not require a lengthy bedding-in period.

Spurs’ Midfield Youth Movement

If Tottenham do land Ricci, he would join an increasingly youthful core that includes Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, and Pape Matar Sarr – all of whom are under 21. Add in Cardoso, also 23, and Spurs would be assembling a dynamic and modern midfield built on energy, intelligence, and tactical adaptability.

Photo: IMAGO

It’s a strategy that aligns with Postecoglou’s philosophy of proactive, possession-based football. Ricci, in particular, seems a perfect stylistic fit – a metronome capable of linking defence and attack with composure and precision.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Tottenham fan’s point of view, this link to Ricci feels like a refreshing change in recruitment strategy. This isn’t just another name on a long list of speculative targets – Ricci is a player making serious waves in a top European league, and the kind of midfielder we’ve been crying out for.

He’s not flashy. He’s not necessarily going to fill highlight reels. But what he does bring is control, balance, and intelligence. Think back to the peak Mousa Dembélé years – how we miss someone who can dictate play, hold off pressure, and keep things ticking. Ricci has shades of that in him.

There’s also a sense of excitement about building a younger midfield around him. Imagine Ricci, Sarr, and Cardoso – that’s a trio with serious potential. Add in Bergvall and Gray, and we’re looking at a midfield setup that could serve the club for the next five years.

Yes, £35 million is a hefty fee, but in this market, it feels about right for a player with his ceiling. If Spurs want to compete again – properly – signings like this are exactly what’s needed. It’s the kind of transfer that makes a statement not just for now, but for the future.

Let’s hope this one isn’t just another rumour that fades into the summer fog.