On Friday morning, good news emerged from Argentina, as it was revealed that Tottenham had secured the signing of Alejo Veliz.
It was reported that Spurs had closed the signing, and the announcement of the new striker was on the way.
Well, there is one club in Italy who are a bit gutted about this all, and that’s Torino, who were among the first to declare their interest in the soon-to-be Tottenham signing, as recalled by Calciomercato. It’s pointed out that the Premier League side secured the Argentine’s arrival ‘with a sudden blitz’ after he impressed them at the U20 World Cup, as Spurs sorted a deal for €15m and €6m in bonuses.
The forward is now expected in London for medicals and the signing of his contract ‘in the coming days’, which is described as ‘a pity’ by the Italian website, as they will not be able to see him in their country.
Torino came forward with €6m, but that was rejected, and while AC Milan were keen, they were only wanting him from January onwards.
Veliz will arrive at Tottenham immediately, and will not return on loan as Rosario Central initially wanted.
Tottenham have now ‘closed’ deal for signing – Formalities and announcement on the way
On Thursday, we covered claims from Argentina that Rosario Central star Alejo Véliz will be sold to Tottenham Hotspur.
The striker has a $15m [£11.8m] release clause and it was also stated Spurs are ready to offer a fee higher than his clause.
TyC Sports now state the Argentine club have ‘closed the transfer’ of the 19-year-old to Tottenham for $23m [£18.1m].
It’s claimed Ange Postecoglou’s have offered $17m [£13.4m] plus $6m [£4.7m] in bonuses for the Argentina U20 international. This is a club-record sale for Rosario Central, surpassing the $15m offered by Brighton & Hove Albion for Facundo Buonanotte last year.
The report also adds the South American side will be entitled to receive 10% of a fee from Véliz’s future sale.
The player will travel in the next few days to carry out medical tests and sign a five-year deal with the Premier League side, then the transfer can be announced.
TyC Sports journalist Gastón Edul took to Twitter to say Véliz is a ‘new Tottenham player’ as Rosario Central ‘just closed his sale’. He adds the attacker will travel this weekend to seal a move to Spurs.
Véliz has 11 goals and an assist from 23 games this year.