It’s done! After one of the stupider (but by FAR not the stupidest) transfer sagas in recent Spurs history, Tottenham Hotspur have formally announced their newest signing — central defender Radu Dragusin, from Genoa. His contract lasts through the 2029-2030 season and will wear the No. 6 shirt.
Radu has arrived
We are delighted to announce the signing of Radu Dragusin from Serie A side Genoa, subject to international clearance and a work permit ✍️
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 11, 2024
Dragusin’s path to North London was hardly direct — Spurs identified him as a priority target after backing away from their first approach for Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, but with the intention of bringing him in as soon as possible after the window opened. It took a few days of negotiations that were complicated yesterday after Bayern Munich swooped in and attempted to hijack the deal.
Dragusin and his agent took the evening to think about their options before ultimately deciding to spurn Bayern and sign for Tottenham, which made for an exciting morning when everyone woke up.
The transfer deal is reportedly for €25m with an additional €5m in performance-based add-ons. Dragusin’s contract runs through the end of the 2028-29 season, and he is reportedly on wages of €3m/year (£50k/wk), which gives Spurs a great deal of flexibility to offer him improved terms down the road if he turns out to be a good fit for the club. The deal also includes a (separate but related) loan of Djed Spence back to Genoa for the remainder of this season.
Radu’s signing fills one of the major holes in Tottenham’s first team — solid central defensive cover and depth. He should instantly become a regular in the back line, either as a substitute or a rotational starter when Spurs’ other defenders need a rest. Or, if he hits the ground running, he can push both Cuti Romero and/or Micky van de Ven for starts. It’s a desperately needed signing, and it’s super exciting that it’s finally happened. He becomes the second Spurs signing of the young January window after the loan of Timo Werner earlier this week.
Dragusin’s debut might come as soon as this Sunday at Manchester United, with Romero still very much iffy on his return to the squad, Van de Ven recently returned from his hamstring injury, and Ben Davies out with an injury of his own.
Welcome to Tottenham, Radu! Now let’s talk about that man bun…