Why Tottenham signed Marcos Senesi revealed as squad number and start date confirmed

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Evening Standard

·10 June 2026

Why Tottenham signed Marcos Senesi revealed as squad number and start date confirmed

Spurs wasting no time in summer transfer market after narrowly avoiding Premier League relegation

The Argentine centre-back will join Spurs on a free transfer on July 1, following the expiration of his contract with Premier League rivals Bournemouth.

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Senesi has penned a long-term deal in north London and becomes their second signing of the summer already, with fellow defender Andy Robertson also set to arrive next month for nothing after he departs Liverpool.

The 29-year-old has been handed the No5 shirt at Spurs that has been vacant since midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s permanent departure for Marseille last year and was previously worn by the likes of Jan Vertonghen.

“It's a very special feeling to be a Tottenham Hotspur player,” Senesi told Tottenham’s official website.

“From the first moment, the club has shown why they want me and how much they want me to be a part of what they are building. It's exciting and something I can't wait to be involved in.

“Every time I step on the pitch, I will do my best to make the fans proud and to take the club back to the place it belongs. I want to win things with Tottenham and will do everything I can to make that happen.”

Senesi joined Bournemouth from Dutch giants Feyenoord in 2022 and went on to make 128 appearances across all competitions, forming a key part of the team that finished sixth in the Premier League this season and secured Europa League qualification under now Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola.

However, he rejected multiple contract offers to extend his stay at the Vitality Stadium and had been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool in recent months, ahead of Spurs making their move early as they look to avoid a repeat of a near-disastrous brush with relegation.

Tottenham are also pushing to sign the likes of Manchester City winger Savinho and Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Senesi has earned three senior international caps for Argentina but is not in their squad for this summer’s World Cup. His arrival comes amid ongoing uncertainty over the Spurs future of compatriot and captain Cristian Romero.

“Marcos' experience, quality on the ball, and competitive edge will strengthen us defensively, as well as giving us flexibility in formation,” explained Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

“He's comfortable playing in a possession-based team, reads the game very well and has the personality to thrive in a demanding environment.

“I also love his mentality and desire to keep improving and I'm looking forward to working with him and seeing the big contribution he can make to the team.”

Offering further insight into why Senesi was targeted, Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange added: “Marcos is a defender who brings a combination of quality, intelligence and leadership to our squad.

“His experience at the highest level, his composure in possession and his desire to compete for every ball make him an excellent fit for the way we want to play.

“We are delighted to welcome him to the club and believe this is the perfect place for him as he enters a great stage in his career.”