Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Argentina defender Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Bournemouth, as Roberto De Zerbi’s side look to rebuild after two consecutive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old centre-back will officially join on 1 July, subject to international clearance, and will wear the number five shirt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Senesi becomes Spurs’ second summer signing after left-back Andy Robertson also arrived on a free transfer from Liverpool.
“Tottenham Hotspur sign Argentine defender Marcos Senesi on a free transfer after he rejected three Bournemouth contract offers.”
Senesi, capped three times by Argentina but omitted from this summer’s World Cup squad, spent four seasons at Bournemouth, making 128 appearances and helping the club qualify for Europe under Andoni Iraola. He decided to leave the Cherries earlier in the season after rejecting three contract offers from the club.
“It’s a very special feeling to be a Tottenham Hotspur player,” Senesi said. “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.”
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi highlighted Senesi’s experience and attributes as key reasons for the signing. “Marcos’ experience, quality on the ball, and competitive edge will strengthen us defensively, as well as giving us flexibility in formation,” he said. “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.”
Sporting director Johan Lange echoed those sentiments. “Marcos is a defender who brings a combination of quality, intelligence and leadership to our squad,” he said. “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.”
The announcement came alongside confirmation that Wales defender Ben Davies, 33, has agreed a new one-year contract to remain at the club. Meanwhile, out-of-contract midfielder Yves Bissouma, who joined from Brighton in 2022 for a reported £30m and made 90 Premier League appearances for Spurs, will leave this summer.
Senesi, who previously played for San Lorenzo and Feyenoord, becomes the latest addition as Tottenham seek to recover from a relegation battle and return to the upper reaches of the Premier League.