Expert explains why Antonio Conte may not sanction Tottenham’s permanent purchase of Dejan Kulusevski
In the January transfer window, Tottenham signed Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus on an 18-month loan with an option to buy.
According to Fabrizio Romano, if Spurs finish in the top four this season and Kulusevski makes 20 league appearances [more than 45 minutes each game] for the club, that option becomes a must.
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Spurs will retain the option to purchase the Swedish international at €35 million even if the requirement is not met. It is practically a given that Spurs will make the arrangement permanent.
This is partly because to Kulusevski’s importance to Spurs’ top-four finish in 2021-22 and outstanding start to the current season.
Six goals and eleven assists in 29 games across all competitions for Spurs since his transfer from the Allianz Stadium. Now, according to former West Ham United player Frank McAvennie, Kulusevski’s recent injury could alter the situation.
The Swede has missed Spurs last ten games in all competitions due to a hamstring injury.
He feels that Conte would not approve the transfer if Kulusevski does not return as the same player he was before the fitness issue or if he sustains another injury.
He revealed to Football Insider:
“It depends how bad his injury is. He was doing alright and now he has got an injury. No club is going to give you a contract if you might not come back the same player. I feel for him because by all accounts he was quite happy when he was playing.”
“Conte won’t authorise a permanent deal if he is not fit. So it might be a blow for him to go back to his parent club but no club is going to pay money because anything can happen. He could break down again. Conte will know what to do and will give the thumbs up or down.”
Expert explains why Antonio Conte may not sanction Tottenham’s permanent purchase of Dejan Kulusevski
