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EPL Index
·18 August 2024
Report: Mourinho Approves Move for Tottenham Midfielder
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·18 August 2024
With the summer transfer window heating up, all eyes are on Jose Mourinho as he reportedly eyes a reunion with Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso at Fenerbahce. According to The Express, Mourinho, now managing in Turkey, has given the green light for Fenerbahce to pursue the Argentine playmaker, setting the stage for a potential transfer that could benefit both parties.
Mourinho is renowned for his tactical acumen and his desire to build squads capable of challenging for titles. Fenerbahce is no exception. As the Portuguese manager looks to bolster his squad, Lo Celso has emerged as a prime target. Lo Celso, who has found himself on the fringes of the Tottenham squad, could be the creative spark Mourinho needs to push for the league title in Turkey.
The Argentine midfielder, who was brought to Spurs by Mauricio Pochettino, has struggled for consistent game time since Mourinho’s arrival in 2019. Despite showing glimpses of his talent, Lo Celso has failed to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup, and with his contract set to expire in 10 months, Tottenham may be eager to cash in on him while they still can.
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Fenerbahce, under Mourinho’s guidance, is reportedly working “feverishly” to add a new midfielder to their ranks. Turkish outlet Sporx suggests that the club is looking to offload players like Miguel Crespo, Rade Krunic, and Miha Zajc to free up funds for the transfer. Lo Celso’s versatility and experience could be exactly what Fenerbahce needs to strengthen their midfield.
Lo Celso’s representatives have already offered Fenerbahce the chance to sign their client, and with Mourinho’s approval, talks between the two clubs are expected to intensify. The Argentine international is said to be “open” to reuniting with Mourinho, a move that could reignite his career after a challenging spell at Spurs.
For Tottenham, the clock is ticking. With just 10 months left on Lo Celso’s contract, the North London club faces a dilemma. Do they sell him now and recoup some of the £55 million they paid to Real Betis five years ago, or risk losing him for free next summer?
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s new manager, has already made it clear that Lo Celso is not in his plans. The Argentine was left out of Tottenham’s friendly defeat to Bayern Munich, and Postecoglou’s comments suggest that Lo Celso may not feature much in the upcoming season.
“It is not just him,” Postecoglou said when asked about Lo Celso’s lack of minutes last season. “There have been a few in that boat where they just haven’t had a real good run… if it is not Gio, it will be someone else that will play that role next year.”
Lo Celso’s time at Tottenham has been a rollercoaster. After a promising start, injuries and inconsistent form have seen him fall down the pecking order. Last season, he made just four starts in the Premier League, scoring two goals and registering two assists. A loan spell at Villarreal showed flashes of his potential, but the La Liga club ultimately decided against a permanent deal.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, also showed interest in Lo Celso earlier this summer, but they opted to sign Ross Barkley instead. Now, with limited options, a move to Fenerbahce could provide Lo Celso with the fresh start he needs.
Giovani Lo Celso’s time at Spurs has been marred by inconsistency and injuries, leaving supporters frustrated and questioning his impact. For many, this potential move represents a logical conclusion to a chapter that never quite lived up to its billing.
Under Mourinho’s tutelage, Lo Celso could rediscover the form that once made him one of Europe’s most promising midfield talents. The Turkish league could provide the platform for him to shine again, away from the intense scrutiny of the Premier League.
However, sceptical fans might argue that Lo Celso’s inconsistency could follow him to Turkey. Despite his technical abilities, his track record at Tottenham and Villarreal raises concerns about whether he can deliver consistently at a high level. Mourinho’s success will hinge on getting the best out of him, and that’s no small task.
In conclusion, this transfer saga encapsulates the unpredictability of football. Both clubs and the player stand to gain or lose depending on how events unfold in the coming weeks. Tottenham may find themselves with a valuable payday, while Fenerbahce could land a creative dynamo. For Lo Celso, this move could be a turning point – or yet another detour in a career that has yet to fully take off.