James Maddison’s summer acquisition gave Tottenham’s midfield a much-needed boost of inventiveness. Nevertheless, the playmaker suffered an ankle injury during the terrible 4-1 loss to Chelsea on November 6 and, according to the player, may not be able to return until February.
Giovani Lo Celso, who has made just two league starts this season, has scored in each of the last two games against Aston Villa and Manchester City, providing the necessary creative spark.
Barcelona had their sights set on Lo Celso throughout the summer, but their loan requests were turned down.
The Evening Standard claims that Xavi, the manager of Barcelona, isn’t willing to accept no.
Instead, after Gavi suffered a season-ending knee injury, Barca’s interest in the 27-year-old has grown.
Due to Barca’s well-known financial difficulties, a loan is only an option if they are unable to sell players first. According to The Standard, Tottenham has no plans to loan the Argentine out come next month.
Barcelona will still investigate, though, and Xavi holds Lo Celso in the highest regard, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on streaming platform Kick, Romano ran the rule over Lo Celso’s chances of joining Barcelona next month. The trusted reporter also stressed Tottenham would be “completely crazy” to accept Barcelona’s preferred loan route given another pair of absences are looming.
Xavi desperate to coach Lo Celso
“In summer it was a possibility,” Romano said (as relayed by Football365). “He was one of the names discussed by Xavi and (Barcelona director) Deco in the meetings they had about the midfield position.
“They discussed this chance to bring in Giovani Lo Celso, because he is a player from what I’m told is really appreciated by Xavi.
“Xavi really considers Lo Celso an underrated midfielder with very good skills. He would like to train Gio Lo Celso one day.
“But Lo Celso for Tottenham is an important player. He’s doing very good, he’s scoring goals, he’s performing at a top level, he has always been super professional, super serious also in training.
“Tottenham are very happy with Lo Celso and when they had possibilities for loan deals in the summer transfer window, they always said no.”