EPL Index
·20 February 2026
Report: Tottenham Hotspur told to sign Italian midfielder

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·20 February 2026

Tottenham Hotspur’s search for stability has taken another twist following the departure of Thomas Frank, with the club now placing its trust in Igor Tudor until the end of the season. A 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United left Spurs hovering dangerously close to the relegation battle, prompting decisive action from the hierarchy. According to a report by Calciomercato, Tudor is already thinking ahead, identifying Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini as a potential cornerstone for a rebuild.
The Croatian coach arrives with a reputation for strong leadership and tactical discipline, qualities Tottenham desperately need. The coming months will determine whether he earns the role permanently, though the early signs suggest he is eager to leave a lasting mark both on and off the pitch.
Calciomercato claim that Pellegrini’s future remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire this summer and negotiations yet to produce an extension. That uncertainty has alerted Tottenham, who are ‘closely monitoring’ developments and could move quickly if an opportunity arises to secure him on a free transfer.

Photo: IMAGO
For Spurs, the appeal is obvious. Pellegrini combines experience with versatility, capable of operating as a creative midfielder while also contributing defensively. At 29, he brings maturity that has sometimes been missing from Tottenham’s recent squads. The Italian is reportedly ‘seriously tempted’ by a Premier League move, suggesting the project in north London could hold genuine appeal if Tudor stays beyond the current campaign.
Leadership has been a recurring theme around Tottenham in recent seasons, and Pellegrini’s profile fits a clear need. He has captained Roma in European competition and is widely respected within Italian football for his work rate and character. Last season, former Roma boss Ivan Juric offered glowing praise, saying, “Pellegrini has had 6-7 scoring opportunities in the last few games. What does that mean? That he moves like a god, that he is well, that he runs a lot, that he has a fantastic spirit and does not hide.”
Those words underline the traits Tudor appears to value. The manager is said to be a huge admirer and ‘would be delighted to coach him in the Premier League’. If the Croatian secures the job permanently, the midfielder could become a symbolic first signing, signalling a shift towards a more structured and experienced core.
From a strategic standpoint, this potential move reflects Tottenham’s need to balance ambition with financial caution. Signing a proven Serie A performer on a free transfer would represent smart business, particularly with uncertainty around several current midfield options. Pellegrini’s record this season, four goals and one assist in 24 appearances, suggests he still has plenty to offer, though improving his finishing will be essential if he hopes to thrive in England’s faster paced environment.
Spurs supporters may view this rumour as part of a broader reset. Tudor’s future remains unresolved, yet the links emerging now hint at early planning behind the scenes. Credit to Calciomercato for highlighting how quickly the club’s transfer focus could evolve depending on managerial decisions. The next few months will determine whether Pellegrini becomes a realistic target or simply another intriguing name linked with Tottenham’s ongoing rebuild.
From a Tottenham supporter’s perspective, this report sparks cautious optimism. Pellegrini’s leadership profile stands out immediately, especially for fans who have long called for more authority in midfield. Watching Spurs struggle for composure in tight moments, particularly after results like the 2-1 loss to Newcastle, many supporters would welcome a player described as a “true captain”.
There is also curiosity about how Tudor’s influence might reshape recruitment. If he genuinely sees Pellegrini as a key figure, it could signal a move towards players who bring tactical intelligence and professionalism rather than purely youthful potential. Fans often debate whether Spurs need more experienced voices to guide the next generation, and this rumour feeds directly into that conversation.
Questions remain, of course. Pellegrini’s recent goal contribution numbers may not excite everyone, and adapting from Serie A to the Premier League has proven challenging for some players. Yet the idea of securing a seasoned Italy international on a free transfer feels like a calculated risk worth exploring.
Ultimately, supporters will judge the move through the lens of ambition. If Tudor wants to build a side capable of pushing back towards European places, adding proven leaders could be the first step in restoring belief around the club.
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