Roma Quoted €15m To Sign ‘Aggressive’ Defender Likened To Virgil Van Dijk
The former Genoa defender could be on the move this month.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 09 January 2026
Roma have reportedly been quoted €15m to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin in the January transfer window.
The Giallorossi have a busy month ahead of them as they look to strengthen their ranks in various areas of the squad.
New forwards are a priority for Gian Piero Gasperini. Roma want Joshua Zirkzee, while talks with Giacomo Raspadori are ongoing.
However, the Giallorossi are also eyeing new defenders. For instance, Roma like Jayden Oosterwolde of Fenerbahce.
Roma and Fiorentina both eyeing Radu Dragusin
Speculation linking Roma and Dragusin began around Christmas time, and it looks as though their interest is intensifying.
The Giallorossi have now opened formal talks with Tottenham to sign the Romania international, according to Corriere dello Sport.
Tottenham are reportedly open to discussing Dragusin’s exit and have placed a €15m price tag on him.
Fiorentina are also eyeing Dragusin, a player Fabio Paratici brought to Spurs from Genoa.
Tottenham reportedly hope to sell the 23-year-old on a permanent deal rather than on loan with an option to buy.
However, both Roma and Fiorentina would prefer the latter option, which means compromises will be needed to push a deal over the line.
What Radu Dragusin could bring to Roma
Dragusin has struggled at Tottenham amid injuries and loss of form, making him an attainable target for Roma.
He is a right-footed centre-back, comfortable in a back four or back three, who likes to defend on the front foot and step in early.
At 6ft 3in, he is an imposing physical presence, strong in the air and attacks the ball with real intent, both when clearing danger and at set pieces.
He can also deliver longer passes to switch play, helping teams break a press, though his passing consistency is still improving.
In addition, Dragusin has Italian football experience, having come through the ranks at Juventus and shining at Genoa.
🚨🇷🇴 Italian clubs are keen on signing Radu Dragusin on initial loan from Spurs in January.
Thomas Frank: “Right now, just so happy to see him come on the pitch having been out for nine or 10 months. For him it's a massive step. That's the most important thing”. pic.twitter.com/h3rdJpt4wT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 31, 2025
He also spent time on loan at Sampdoria and Salernitana, while his Genoa loan resulted in him joining them permanently.
Sky Sports previously noted that Dragusin earned the nickname “Romanian Virgil van Dijk” in Italy because of his size, calmness and potential to dominate.
“He’s so tall and has got great physique,” Italian soccer expert Mina Rzouki told the broadcaster in 2024.
“It’s really difficult to win a duel against him. He owns everything on an aerial level. He’s very strong and aggressive in his type of defending.”
All in all, Dragusin seems like a great shout for Roma and Fiorentina, though they must be mindful of his recent injury record.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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