Tottenham could complete the permanent signing of Giovani Lo Celso for a cut-price fee if they trigger their purchase option in January rather than next summer, according to reports in Spain.
Lo Celso joined Spurs on loan in an August with an obligation for the Londoners to buy him outright next summer. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claims Tottenham paid around €16 million to seal the loan deal with a fee of more than €40 million to be paid at the end of the season to make things permanent.
However, the report says Spurs are expected to sign Lo Celso in January as it is believed they will only have to pay €32 million in the winter transfer window. It is believed the original €40 million was somehow tied to Tottenham qualifying for the Champions League, something that is looking increasingly unlikely.
It is said to be an obligation rather than an option, so it doesn’t make total sense that Spurs will be able to sign Lo Celso for less money in January – why would two separate fees have been agreed when Tottenham are obligated to buy anyway?
In any case, this is the first we’ve heard of a lesser fee, so stay tuned to see it other outlets pick up on the story.
I read an article saying spurs obligation to buy only kicked in if lo celso played a certain amount of games. I would not be surprised if Levy had some sort of clause stating if spurs did not qualify for the CL next year the price would be cheaper. Says a lot in certain ways.
From what I’ve read that is in the clause. If Spurs don’t qualify for next seasons CL they aren’t obligated to sign him.
If however Spurs are ready to sign him in January, then it would suggest Betis are desperate to sell and are willing to take less money immediately, rather than more 6 months later.