Tottenham have decided to allow Giovani Lo Celso to return to Villarreal on loan instead of selling the midfielder this summer – and his move has prompted a handful of Spurs players, and West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini to react
It is perhaps a surprising move, in the sense that a permanent option has not been included in a loan deal. The 26-year-old has not been training with the first team of late, but with Harry Winks, Tanguy Ndombele and Sergio Reguilon.
The Argentina international spent the second half of last season on loan at Villarreal and starred for Unai Emery’s side. He helped the Yellos Submarine reach the quarter finals of the Champions League, eventually losing to Liverpool.
Having spent more than £100million on new talent this summer, Spurs were expected to sell some of their fringe players in order to reduce the net spend. Steven Bergwijn has joined Ajax for a fee in the region of £26million.
Lo Celso was seen as another player to leave for a fee, but Fabio Paratici has allowed a loan without an option. A loan fee is likely. Lo Celso took to Instagram: “They say that one always goes back to the places where he was happy.”
Tottenham players and Lanzini react to Lo Celso loan
It is a move that benefits Villarreal and Lo Celso in the short term. But it could help Tottenham in the long term. For now, Spurs will have to accept a loan fee. But if Lo Celso shines, like he did last season, his price tag will go up.
That will then, in turn, allow Tottenham to request a bigger fee for his services in 12 months time. It might actually end up backfiring for Villarreal. That is, if they are told by Spurs that due to his good form, Spurs want more cash.
Plenty responded to his post, including West Ham’s Lanzini. Tottenham players Sergio Reguilon and Bryan Gil also congratulated the Tottenham midfielder.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
