Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly reached an agreement to sell young Argentine striker Alejo Veliz to the City Football Group (CFG), the multi-club ownership group led by Manchester City's owners.
The Reported Deal and Transfer Details
According to reports cited by GiveMeSport from Brazilian outlet UOL, a deal in principle has been struck between Spurs and CFG for the permanent transfer of the 22-year-old forward. The fee involved is described as 'quite high'. Veliz is currently on a season-long loan at his former club, Rosario Central, in Argentina for the 2025/26 campaign.
To facilitate the permanent move, Tottenham are expected to cancel his loan spell in Argentina. However, it remains unclear exactly which club within the CFG network Veliz will join. The group owns a portfolio of clubs worldwide, including Palermo, Troyes, Girona, Melbourne City, and Yokohama F. Marinos.
Veliz's Journey at Tottenham and Postecoglou's Praise
Alejo Veliz signed for Tottenham from Rosario Central in August 2023 for a fee of £13 million on a six-year contract. Despite initial promise, he struggled to break into the first team at the London club.
He made just eight appearances for Spurs, all as substitute cameos in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season. His sole highlight was scoring a goal in a 4-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. The majority of his time since signing has been spent out on loan, with spells at Sevilla and Espanyol in Spain preceding his return to Rosario.
Upon his arrival in 2023, then-manager Ange Postecoglou spoke highly of the young striker's potential. 'We've been really encouraged about how he has gone about things,' Postecoglou said. 'He showed attributes, he has great movement and is a real number nine.'
Potential Destination and Future Prospects
Further reports, including one from journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, suggest that Brazilian Serie A side Bahia is the most likely destination for Veliz. CFG purchased Bahia in December 2022, and a move there would align with the reported agreement. Bahia finished seventh in the Brazilian top flight last season.
The final decision may hinge on the player's own wishes, as it is not yet confirmed if Veliz is willing to cut short his loan in his home country. During a previous loan at Espanyol, his manager Manolo Gonzalez predicted a bright future, stating, 'He has a great future in European football.'
This transfer marks the end of Veliz's stint in North London, as Spurs look to move on a player who failed to establish himself despite early optimism from the coaching staff.
