Tottenham ‘complete’ basis of deal for ‘incredible’ star as Thomas Frank’s first signing – journalist
Tottenham Hotspur appear to have taken a significant step toward securing their first acquisition under new manager Thomas Frank, with reports indicating advanced negotiations for AS Roma’s promising midfielder Niccolo Pisilli.
The 20-year-old Italian, currently showcasing his talents at the U21 European Championships in Slovakia, has emerged as a prime target in what promises to be a transformative summer for the North London club.
Pisilli’s football intelligence and relentless energy in midfield have made him one of the tournament’s standout performers, qualities that have evidently caught Tottenham’s attention.
The youngster, who made his senior debut under former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho in 2023, has developed into a consistent presence at the Stadio Olimpico despite his tender age.
With four years remaining on his Roma contract, any potential deal would require careful negotiation, but French journalist Sebastian Vidal reports the clubs have “finalized the basics” of an agreement likely to conclude after Italy’s U21 European Championship campaign ends on June 28.
The potential acquisition aligns perfectly with Tottenham’s recent recruitment philosophy, which has prioritized emerging talents like Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, and Antonin Kinsky – all under 22 years old.
Pisilli’s statistical profile from the 2024-25 Serie A season, featuring 28 appearances with 2 goals and 1 assist, demonstrates his growing influence at top-flight level.
While his defensive contributions (0.9 tackles and 2.1 balls recovered per game) suggest room for development, his tactical awareness and technical ability have drawn praise from Roma legend Daniele De Rossi, who described the youngster as “incredible.”
This prospective signing arrives at a pivotal moment for Tottenham, who officially unveiled Frank as their new manager last week following Ange Postecoglou’s departure.
With Champions League football secured via Europa League success, the club appears determined to rebuild a squad that underwhelmed in domestic competition last season.
Pisilli could potentially fill the void left by Yves Bissouma, whose contract expires next summer amid links to Leeds United, though Spurs are also reportedly monitoring Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney as they assess multiple options for midfield reinforcement.
The timing of these negotiations presents an intriguing subplot to Italy’s U21 European Championship campaign, where Pisilli now competes knowing his club future may soon take a dramatic turn.
For Tottenham, securing such a highly-rated prospect would represent both a statement of intent and a continuation of their youth-focused strategy as Frank begins shaping the squad in his image.
As the tournament progresses and transfer talks advance, all signs point to Pisilli potentially becoming the first piece in Tottenham’s summer rebuild – a rebuilding process that could define their ability to compete on multiple fronts next season.
What makes this potential deal particularly compelling is how it encapsulates Tottenham’s current vision – blending immediate first-team needs with long-term planning.
While Pisilli may not be an instant starter, his acquisition would provide Frank with another promising option in midfield while allowing the player to develop within a system that has shown patience with young talents.
As the transfer window gains momentum, this proposed move offers early insight into how Tottenham intend to approach what promises to be a crucial summer of recruitment.