Dragusin’s Tottenham Departure: A Complex Transfer Negotiation

The situation regarding Dragusin’s future at Tottenham has intensified this week, as the centre-back aggressively seeks to leave the club. Just two years after his notable transfer from Genoa—where he turned down Bayern Munich to join Ange Postecoglou’s vision—the 23-year-old’s relationship with Tottenham appears to be coming to an end. According to Corriere dello Sport, Dragusin is fully committed to returning to Serie A, with a specific focus on Roma.

This season, Dragusin has played a mere five minutes, making only one appearance across all competitions under coach Thomas Frank. Following his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury, the ex-Juventus and Sampdoria player is eager for more playing time and is reportedly weary of the uncertainties associated with temporary moves. Reports from both Corriere dello Sport and Gazzetta dello Sport indicate that Dragusin’s camp is advocating for a permanent exit from Tottenham. The defender wishes to leave for good, seeking a stable environment where he can restore his reputation as one of Europe’s most promising defenders.

This quest for stability has complicated negotiations. While Dragusin is insisting on a definitive break, Roma has so far only proposed an initial loan with an option to buy. This offer has not impressed Tottenham, as the club prefers assurances regarding a permanent transfer fee to recoup a significant part of their investment from 2024.

The driving force behind this assertive transfer strategy appears to be Dragusin’s agent, Florin Manea. He has recently referred to his client as a “gladiator,” implying that such a warrior naturally belongs in Rome. Despite substantial interest from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, Dragusin has chosen to put their overtures on hold. Reports suggest that references to Leipzig may be a strategic maneuver by intermediaries to pressure Roma into hastening their pursuit. The message to the Italian club is clear: Dragusin desires a move, but he cannot wait indefinitely for a permanent solution.

However, Roma is facing significant challenges in the negotiation process. Their financial limitations make it difficult to offer an obligation to buy, which would satisfy both Spurs and Dragusin’s desire for a permanent transfer. The Italian giants are attempting to structure a deal that minimizes their risk, but Dragusin’s camp is growing increasingly impatient with half-hearted proposals.

Ordinarily, Leipzig would be an attractive destination for a defender aiming to rejuvenate their career, given the club’s reputation for nurturing young talent and competing in the Champions League. The fact that Dragusin is willing to disregard their interest speaks volumes about his determination to return to Italy.

Having established his career at Genoa, Dragusin feels most at ease within the tactical framework of Serie A. His tenure in the Premier League has been marked by sporadic appearances and a struggle to displace the established defensive pairing of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

For Tottenham, this predicament represents both a challenge and a business decision. They are aware of the player’s dissatisfaction, yet they hold leverage due to his contract, which runs until 2030. The club has not yet approved Roma’s proposed terms, primarily because a loan with an option to buy does not provide them with long-term security. If Dragusin were to move to Rome and subsequently struggle or face injury, he would return to Tottenham in the summer with diminished value.

Spurs are seeking a deal that ensures the player’s wish to “never return” becomes a contractual reality. They want any loan agreement to include an obligation to buy, effectively facilitating a sale now with deferred payment. Until Roma can reconcile the gap between an ‘option’ and an ‘obligation’, the deal remains in a state of uncertainty.