Real Betis expect Tottenham to permanently sign Lo Celso in January
According to The Sun, Real Betis expect Tottenham Hotspur to make Giovani Lo Celso’s loan deal permanent this January.
Lo Celso joined Tottenham on loan in August, with the option of making the deal permanent. Injuries have limited his appearances on the pitch with him making only nine appearances for Spurs. six of them from the bench.
In spite of the limited impact he has had with us, Real Betis expect us to make his deal permanent in the January transfer window.
At a meeting of the club’s shareholders, Betis president Angel Haro expressed his belief that Tottenham will activate the deal in January to sign Lo Celso for £27million as opposed to paying £34million in the summer (h/t Daily Mail).
Lo Celso hasn’t featured much under new manager Jose Mourinho, playing just 7 minutes in the last 5 matches. Recently, Mourinho had even commented that the Argentinian isn’t ready yet to feature regularly (h/t Mirror).
Eriksen’s successor?
With Christian Eriksen contract set to expire in the summer, Lo Celso could take up his mantle next season.
By not rushing him into the starting XI, Mourinho would be able to ensure that Lo Celso is up to speed by the time he takes Eriksen’s place.
The mandatory clause to purchase Lo Celso in the summer is binding only if Tottenham qualify for the Champions League. Even then, Spurs will only be getting 80% of the player’s rights with Betis retaining 20%.
A resurgent Spurs take on fourth-placed Chelsea next and a win will see us overtake the Blues on goal difference.
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Lo Celso will get opportunities to make his case in the busy Christmas period. Rotation will be key and he will need to step up and take his chances.
Qualification to the Champions League is looking increasingly likely under Mourinho. Lo Celso’s performances in the coming weeks could decide if Spurs make the deal permanent this January.
