Daniel Levy to back down on transfer decision after learning the asking price from club, proposes a swap deal
Due to another club’s January contract, Tottenham will not be able to sign the highly-linked wonderkid for boss Ange Postecoglou.
Spurs continuing busy transfer window
In addition to bringing in attacking midfield maestro Timo Werner on loan from RB Leizpig with a buyout option, Spurs also completed a £25 million permanent transfer for defender Radu Dragusin.
The two additions, which were completed earlier this month, greatly expand Postecoglou’s options as he looks to lead his team to a top four finish and Champions League qualification. Prior to this month, Tottenham had a severe shortage of depth behind their regular starting eleven, particularly at center back, as both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero were frequently unavailable.
| All confirmed Tottenham deals for January | Club – arrival/exit |
|---|---|
| Timo Werner | RB Leipzig, loan (arrival) |
| Radu Dragusin | Genoa, permanent (arrival) |
| Djed Spence | Genoa, loan (exit) |
| Ashley Phillips | Plymouth, loan (exit) |
| Japhet Tanganga | Millwall, loan (exit) |
| Sergio Reguilon | Brentford, loan (exit) |
| Ivan Perisic | Hajduk Split, loan (exit) |
| Eric Dier | Bayern Munich, loan (exit) |
In sharp contrast to past years under different managers, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, technical director Johan Lange, Chief Football Officer Scott Munn, and the larger recruitment team pushed rapidly to obtain much-needed January signings.
According to numerous sources, Tottenham is also in negotiations to recruit Antonio Nusa on a buy-to-loan-back contract from Club Brugge. This is comparable to the strategy that brought players like Pape Matar Sarr and Destiny Udogie to north London in previous seasons.
Even though the team has already been quite busy—securing numerous loan deals for players in its roster—Spurs don’t seem to be close to being done as deadline day draws near.
Postecoglou is rumored to be eager to add a new midfield player, but a lot may depend on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s situation and Levy’s ability to secure the Dane’s permanent departure this month. Conor Gallagher of Chelsea is still the subject of links, with speculation circulating that Postecoglou is a great admirer of the 23-year-old. However, Arthur Vermeeren, a sensation from Royal Antwerp, is a midfield player Spurs are definitely not going to sign.
Tottenham “set to miss out” on Vermeeren
The Belgian has gained fans at Spurs in recent months; earlier rumors said that Tottenham was interested in signing Vermeeren.
Thanks to his great play at Antwerp this season, the 18-year-old has gained recognition and seems to be heading somewhere. According to Graeme Bailey, a writer, and numerous other reports, Tottenham is not going to be able to sign Vermeeren because Atletico Madrid has reached an agreement to acquire the midfield player.
The likes of Arsenal, Brighton and Tottenham are set to miss out on signing Belgian wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren as he looks set to head to Atletico Madrid – who have agreed a deal with Royal Antwerp.@HITCfootball with @bevanss https://t.co/NpJEoVTZkb
— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) January 24, 2024
The teenager has started 21 league games for Antwerp as a mainstay of their midfield this season, but waved goodbye to his club last night as he nears a move to Spain.
