Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to sever ties with defender Radu Dragusin in the upcoming January transfer window, setting an asking price of approximately £26 million for the Romanian international. This development comes amid reported interest from Serie A clubs, including Roma.
Pressure Mounts on Frank as Spurs Consider Sale
The potential departure of Dragusin is set against a backdrop of increasing pressure on manager Thomas Frank. Tottenham's promising start to the season has faded, leaving them in 14th place heading into the festive period. A chaotic defeat to Liverpool, which saw two Spurs players sent off, has only intensified scrutiny on the Dane's future.
Frank is expected to guide the North London club back to European qualification this term. While they remain only four points off the top six, the club's hierarchy is planning for a crucial January transfer window. Significant funds are believed to be allocated for a new attacker, but exits are also on the agenda to reshape the squad.
Dragusin's Troubled Tottenham Tenure
According to reports from Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Radu Dragusin is now very likely to leave the club. The proposed fee of £26m is close to the amount Tottenham paid for him when add-ons are included. The 23-year-old centre-back, who is under contract until 2030, has endured a difficult spell in North London.
Dragusin missed the best part of a year after rupturing his ACL and, despite returning to fitness, has yet to feature this season as the club manages his comeback with extreme caution. When he did play last season, his performances were heavily criticised. He was often singled out as the weakest defender in a consistently poor back line, displaying erratic decision-making that frequently put teammates in trouble.
Italian Suitors Circle as Paratici Links Emerge
The report indicates a move to Italy is the most probable outcome. Roma are cited as a potential suitor, particularly if a deal can be structured as an initial loan. Links with Fiorentina are also considered inevitable due to the connection with former Tottenham managing director of football Fabio Paratici, who is now linked with a role at the Italian club.
For Thomas Frank, improving defensive standards is paramount if Spurs are to become a regular top-six side again. The assessment within the club appears to be that Dragusin, despite his youth and potential, does not currently meet those required standards. Offloading him for a fee close to their original investment would represent pragmatic business and free up resources as Frank seeks to stamp his authority on a struggling squad.
The January window is now pivotal for Tottenham's season and for Frank's long-term prospects at the club. The decision on Dragusin's future will be one of the first major indicators of the direction they plan to take.
