Ange Postecoglou is highly unlikely to sanction an exit for Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso despite his desire to leave, and the change of heart could also see a potential Spurs arrival aborted, per reports.
Lo Celso, 27, has spent the last 18 months loaned to Villarreal. The Argentine impressed in Spain and harboured ambitions of forcing his way into Tottenham’s first-team plans upon returning.
Indeed, his hopes were boosted when Postecoglou reportedly promised the classy midfield a prominent role in north London this year, according to Estadio Deportivo.
However, the opening stages of the campaign haven’t transpired as Lo Celso would’ve hoped. Lo Celso has been afforded just a single appearance thus far totalling a measly 16 minutes.
As such, speculation he could be on the move once again and potentially back to Spain swirled.
Barcelona have firm interest in the player they viewed as a viable alternative to Bernardo Silva. Xavi’s side courted the Man City ace for much of the summer, though their efforts came to nothing once Silva signed a new contract with City last week.
Sport Witness recently brought news from Spain of Lo Celso’s potential switch to Barcelona being connected to Spurs re-signing Clement Lenglet.
The centre-half – who spent last season loaned to Tottenham – would be available either via the loan route or for a knockdown rate if moving outright.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Lo Celso’s chances of leaving Tottenham in the final days of the summer window are virtually nil.
Postecoglou believes in Lo Celso
The trusted transfer guru reported Postecoglou is “happy” with Lo Celso despite the lack of minutes he’s afforded him thus far.
Lo Celso is now “likely to continue” at Spurs beyond the September 1 deadline. Romano concluded only an “important bid” could change that stance.
How that development will be greeted by Lo Celso isn’t clear. However, a fresh update from Mundo Deportivo (as cited by Sport Witness) reiterates Lo Celso ‘wants to leave’ to attain regular game-time.
The Argentine looks set to be denied his wish and with a stay in north London on the cards, another move for Lenglet may also go by the wayside.
