Ever since Tottenham Hotspur completed the signing of Giovani Lo Celso from Paris Saint-Germain, he has continued to impress when fit. A top quality playmaker who had shown his abilities in various positions in France and then in Spain, Lo Celso is the ideal creative spark for a Jose Mourinho side. However, the duo might not be working together for too much longer; Lo Celso has been linked with a return to Spanish football via Atletico Madrid.
Atleti coach Diego Simeone is a top quality operator who is known to have an interest in Lo Celso from before. His team were linked with a deal after the Argentine thrilled for Real Betis, only for him to move to England instead. Known to have a long-term interest, though, it is likely that this summer Simeone will return with a new offer for a player who would be the ideal addition to his midfield.
Reports in Spain suggest that Atletico will make a move for him in the summer, as Simeone sees him as the ideal solution to adding more creativity in midfield. Having reignited their interest in making a deal happen, it is likely that Spurs will have their resolve tested if they try to keep hold of the player.
However, one thing to note about this signing would be that Spurs, if they miss out on the UEFA Champions League again, will need to make up a significant financial shortfall. With the new stadium costs paired with a high wage bill and a lack of income due to the pandemic, and a sale could become necessary to keep hold of marquee talent like Harry Kane.
Spurs, then, might need to focus everything on qualification as it would stop the North London team having to put up key assets for sale.
Could Spurs do without Lo Celso?
Some fans might think that it would be the most acceptable squad loss to give in, though, thanks to injury issues. Lo Celso has regularly missed gametime since arriving in England, and has failed to make a huge impact even when fit. Moments of quality in fits and starts, though, has been enough to win the Argentine playmaker lots of fans in England.
Lo Celso could be the ideal player to turn to for Atletico who might want to find a young star to build around moving forward in future. However, the biggest challenge for Spurs is ensuring they could sell whilst finding a suitable replacement.
While more young players have been given a chance, it is believed that, when fit, Mourinho sees Lo Celso as a first-team starter. Therefore, would a coach who is known to always want as many experienced players as possible be happy with a big sale and a failure to replace the talent lost?
For Lo Celso, though, the main challenge will be getting fit enough again to continue competing regardless of what shirt he wears. Injuries have been a major concern so far, and that would be the priority to correct ahead of any big moves.
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