Real Betis approach Tottenham Hotspur for Giovani Lo Celso
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Betis has made a fresh approach to bring Argentine playmaker Giovani Lo Celso back to the club this summer, igniting talks between Los Verdiblancos and Spurs chiefs.
Giovani Lo Celso joined Tottenham from Real Betis in 2019, initially arriving on loan with an option to make the move permanent. The deal was eventually sealed in January 2020, with the total cost estimated at around £27.2m.
However, since his arrival in North London, Lo Celso has struggled to reach the heights expected of him. Despite making 84 appearances for Spurs, the Argentine has only managed to contribute eight goals and six assists.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the talented midfielder showcased his abilities during a successful loan spell at Villarreal. Under the guidance of Unai Emery, Lo Celso played a vital role as Villarreal reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in the 2021/22 season.
Lo Celso’s impact extended beyond the club level as well. He played an influential role for the Argentina national team during their victorious Copa America campaign in 2021. It is unfortunate that a subsequent injury prevented him from potentially earning a starting spot in the Argentina squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Despite returning to Tottenham with hopes of impressing new manager Ange Postecoglou, Lo Celso’s chances of regular playing time have diminished following the arrival of James Madison.
This situation has sparked interest from various suitors, including his former club, Real Betis. However, the stumbling block for the Spanish side may be their limited budget, as acquiring Lo Celso’s services would require Tottenham to lower their asking price.
While Aston Villa have also expressed interest in securing Lo Celso’s signature, a move back to La Liga seems more probable for the Argentine playmaker. It has become evident that the demands of English football have not suited his style of play, making a return to Spain an enticing prospect for the 27-year-old.
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Lo Celso leaving Tottenham seems like a mere formality now. Where he ends up is going to be the real question and let’s see if the answer to that is Betis after all.
