Tottenham striker Alejo Veliz currently on loan at Espanyol is wanted by River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo
Tottenham Hotspur have endured a disastrous Premier League season where they currently lie in 13th place in the table.
After such an underwhelming campaign, it would not be surprising if the Hotspur Way chiefs opt for wholesale changes to the squad. Several senior and experienced forwards have been linked with an exit, while the club could cash in on a couple of players entering the final year of their contracts.
The Lilywhites will also have an opportunity to recoup funds from players whose transfers have simply not worked out. One of them is Alejo Veliz.
According to Argentinian news outlet River Noticias, Tottenham striker Alejo Veliz is attracting interest from River Plate. Marcelo Gallardo, the River Plate boss, is ‘determined’ to sign the youngster ahead of this summer’s Club World Cup.
Tottenham spent £13m to sign Veliz from Rosario Central in the summer of 2023. He was deemed an investment for the future rather than a player who’d make an immediate impact to the Spurs squad. The young Argentinean, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla, returned to Spain to this time team up with Espanyol on a season-long loan.
The move to Espanyol has not quite worked out for the 21-year-old. He has netted just four goals in 23 appearances across all competitions—including just one strike from 21 La Liga fixtures. The centre-forward has started only 10 of 21 La Liga matches, which clearly demonstrates his struggles in Spanish football.
Yet, River Plate are showing an interest in Veliz, with Gallardo believing the striker could be Sebastian Driussi’s best partner at the Club World Cup. This represents the best opportunity for Tottenham to get rid of the former Argentina under-20 international.
Since arriving at Spurs two years back, Veliz has not looked cut out for Premier League football. He has barely got opportunities under Ange Postecoglou, though. Back-to-back poor loan spells in Spain with Sevilla and Espanyol respectively means the South American’s stock has dipped.
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Once he finishes his loan spell at Espanyol and returns, Veliz is unlikely to hang around at the club. The forward is just 21 and should be playing week in, week out to crack his true potential, which doesn’t look like happening at N17. Postecoglou and his coaching staff are planning to hand more opportunities to academy kid Dane Scarlett next season, which will further hamper Veliz from getting a look in at the club even if he stays.
Thus, the Hotspur Way chiefs would be wise to sell Veliz to River Plate—of course, with a buy-back option or sizeable sell-on clause.
