Napoli boss Antonio Conte is eyeing a move for Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski
With the January transfer window wide open, Tottenham Hotspur have already begun reinforcing their squad, with a goalkeeper already signed.
The North London club’s season has been one to forget so far. Their 12th position in the Premier League standings more than halfway into the season is evidence of how poor Ange Postecoglou’s side has been. While they remain alive in the Carabao Cup, Europa League as well as the FA Cup, the injury problems have given the Australian boss a constant headache besides the substandard results.
Amidst injury woes and incredibly inconsistent performances, Dejan Kulusevski has emerged as the club’s standout performer. The Swedish international is having a superb individual campaign and is one of the main reasons why Tottenham are not worse off than they already are in the Premier League.
There was always little to doubt about the 24-year-old’s qualities and, while last season he remained a good player, it is in the ongoing 2024/25 that Dejan Kulusevski has been truly unleashed, perhaps due to Ange Postecoglou using him as an attacking No.8 as opposed to a right-winger. His performances have been impressive, increasing the output.
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Last season, the Stockholm-born talent had 11 goal contributions in 39 games across all competitions. He has already bettered that tally with 15 goal contributions in 30 games this term. However, Kulusevski’s consistent performances for the North Londoners have not gone unnoticed across Europe.
According to a report from Italian outlet Corriere del Mezzogiorno (h/t Sport Witness), Napoli boss Antonio wants to reunite with Kulusevski this month. He views the Tottenham attacker as a potential replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has thus far been unwilling to renew his contract with Napoli. The Naples-based outfit are in a precarious position as the Georgian star’s deal expires in the summer of 2026, so Antonio Conte and Co. must decide whether they want to stick with their explosive winger or twist.
Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly the frontrunners for Kvaratskhelia’s signature. PSG and Napoli both will hold a crunch meeting next week to sort out the final details ahead of the 23-year-old’s move to France. Napoli were expecting to get around €80m from the Georgian attacker’s potential sale, although they may have to settle for less eventually.
Should Kvaratskhelia depart, the aforementioned report (h/t Sport Witness) adds Napoli would be seeking a loan for Kulusevski with an option to buy at the end of the season.
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Having signed Kulusevski during his time as Spurs boss, it is not surprising that Conte wants to sign the Swede for Napoli, particularly after his rise in stature in the Premier League this season. Not only is he a player who has proven his credentials in the Serie A with Juventus in the recent past, but the left-footed attacker is also rapidly developing into one of the Premier League’s best players.
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For a player who has exceeded the expectations of White Hart Lane faithful and beyond and become one of Big Ange’s first names on the teamsheet, there is no way Spurs accept such a proposal from Napoli for Kulusevski.
Moreover, the player has a contract at the club until 2028 (Transfermarkt), which further puts them in a strong negotiating position if Napoli indeed decides to table a proposal in this transfer window.
