According to Fabrizio Romano, a widely touted Tottenham deal – maybe in January – may not go forward as planned due to Ange Postecoglou.
During the summer, Spurs restricted all exit avenues for Giovani Lo Celso. The Argentine midfielder, 27, had spent the previous 18 months on loan at Villarreal, but was kept in north London ahead of the new season.
According to Estadio Deportivo Postecoglou assured Lo Celso of a starting spot in the first team. However, the regular minutes Lo Celso would have expected have not arrived.
Indeed, with Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr swiftly establishing themselves as the go-to midfield duo, Lo Celso has seen little time on the pitch. Furthermore, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp stand in the way of Lo Celso’s playing time.
As a result, Lo Celso has only made one substitute appearance in the Premier League this season. He did play in the ill-fated League Cup second round match against Fulham, but was substituted at half time.
Speculation a January exit awaits has bubbled away in the media. A return to Spain with either Barcelona or Real Betis has been mooted.
However, responding to the Lo Celso rumours, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has cooled talk Lo Celso is definitely on the way out.
According to Caught Offside, Romano indicated that Postecoglou was a big reason for Lo Celso not leaving this summer. If the Australian gets his request, a winter window departure may be averted as well.
“Giovani Lo Celso – Ange Postecoglou wanted to keep Lo Celso at Tottenham, so I’d wait before discussing any January move for Gio,” Romano emphasised.
“That could be a possibility if he doesn’t play in the coming weeks and months.” However, nothing has been determined.”
Lo Celso’s Spurs contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2025. As such, Tottenham are under no pressure to sell in 2024.