Marcos Senesi is joining Tottenham on a free transfer from Bournemouth and has spoken of an ambition to lift trophies with the club. The defender will link up with Roberto De Zerbi’s squad on July 1, signing a reported four-year contract after leaving Bournemouth at the end of the current deal.

Senesi arrives at Spurs after four seasons with Bournemouth, where the 29-year-old helped secure Europa League qualification for the 2025-26 campaign. The centre-back made 39 appearances in all competitions last season, the joint-highest total among Bournemouth’s outfield players, and completed 1,839 passes, more than any other player under Andoni Iraola.

Interest in Senesi had also come from Liverpool, now managed by Iraola, but the Argentina international chose Tottenham instead. Spurs ended last season 17th in the Premier League after a difficult campaign, staying up on the final day, and Senesi stated a clear aim to help restore the club’s standing among domestic rivals.

Speaking to Tottenham’s official website, Senesi said: “It’s a very special feeling to be a Tottenham Hotspur player. 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’s defensive record underlined why De Zerbi targeted reinforcements at centre-back. Spurs conceded 57 league goals last season; only Burnley with 75, Wolves with 68 and West Ham with 65 allowed more in the Premier League. Senesi will be expected to bring stability and control to a back line that struggled for long spells.

Senesi’s defensive numbers in 2025-26 ranked among the leading performers in the division. The Argentine finished in the top three players in the Premier League for blocks with 47, interceptions with 56 and clearances with 253, underlining a readiness to defend the penalty area and read danger across different situations.

Marcos Senesi Tottenham squad moves and De Zerbi view

De Zerbi has already reshaped the defensive unit ahead of the new season. Andy Robertson has joined from Liverpool, adding experience at left-back, while Ben Davies agreed a new contract earlier on Wednesday, ensuring continuity within the group alongside the new arrivals, including Senesi’s free transfer from Bournemouth.

The Tottenham head coach set out why Senesi fits the tactical approach. De Zerbi said: “Marcos’ experience, quality on the ball, and competitive edge will strengthen us defensively, as well as giving us flexibility in formation. 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.”

Tottenham remain active in the market for another centre-back and are pursuing Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Reports in England state that two offers for the Netherlands international have already been rejected, suggesting negotiations could continue as De Zerbi looks to complete the defensive rebuild around Senesi and the other signings.

Spurs highlighted the transfer with an announcement on social media, describing Senesi as the club’s latest Lilywhite and confirming the agreement with Bournemouth’s former defender.

Senesi now prepares to begin pre-season under De Zerbi, bringing strong passing data and defensive output from Bournemouth into a Tottenham side eager to climb the table. With a four-year deal, the Argentine is positioned as a long-term part of Spurs’ plans to secure European qualification and compete for trophies again.