The Athletic report that Tottenham did not manage to get a deal done for Ruslan Malinovskyi because Atalanta were keen to sell the player permanently – while Spurs eyed a loan. Fabio Paratici was keen, and so was the Ukraine ace.
Malinovskyi, 29, was strongly linked with Spurs heading into the window. The 51-time Ukraine star was available for a move, despite having a contract at Atalanta until June 2025. Now, he has joined Ligue 1 side Marseille until June.
But Spurs made their approach early on in the window. They, like Marseille, wanted the Serie A club to let him go on loan. Atalanta rebuffed the approach and he remained at Atalanta. Marseille agreed an obligation in their loan deal.
So, it is basically a permanent move for the attacker. The report also states that if Spurs were to sign Malinovskyi, then it might have been that Pape Matar Sarr or Oliver Skipp would have had to leave Tottenham on loan in January.
Athletic reports why Tottenham did not manage to do Malinovskyi deal
Malinovskyi would have been an interesting signing at Spurs. Different to just a winger, he is more of a 10 and likes to get on the ball and create. It is likely that he would have been seen as a direct rival for Deki Kulusevski at Spurs.
A no.10 or a winger that has the ability to create like Kulusevski does. Spurs do not have another player like that. Instead, Arnaut Danjuma joined the club on loan from Villarreal – with the option to buy. It is worth a fee of £27m.
Instead, Malinovskyi has moved to Marseille on what is basically a permanent £11.5m move. He has since managed five appearances in both league and cup, failing to score or lay on an assist. A tricky start in French football.
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