Tottenham are set to complete the permanent signing of Giovani Lo Celso in January for £27.5m, according to Real Betis’ president Angel Haro.
The 23-year-old midfielder, who has scored once in 10 appearances for Spurs this season, is currently on a season-long loan from the Spanish outfit having joined on deadline day.
Lo Celso endured a difficult opening few months in England before finally breaking into the side towards the end of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign and marked his full Tottenham debut by netting in the 4-0 victory over Red Star Belgrade last month.
However, the Argentine hasn’t started a game since the arrival of Jose Mourinho and reports circulated recently that was set to be recalled by Real Betis in January. But in a recent meeting, president Haro said that signing Lo Celso in next month will be cheaper – and is still expecting the deal to be completed despite his stop-start Tottenham career.
He said: “[Tottenham] will exercise [the option to buy] because if they don’t they will be [charged more] in June.
“They may also have to exercise the mandatory [clause]. We understand that they will exercise it, but if not [we will be] delighted with the player [returning].”
