It’s fair to say that Giovani Lo Celso’s move to Tottenham has not worked out how everyone thought it would just yet.
The Argentine midfielder was the star of the show for Real Betis last season and as such, caught the eye of then Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.
He made it clear he wanted his compatriot and Tottenham spent the whole summer negotiating a deal with Betis, eventually signing Lo Celso on loan.
That deal included an option to make the move permanent, as well as a clause stating Spurs could have him cheaper in January should they wish.
It’s unclear whether they’re going to do that, though, as Lo Celso has hardly set the world alight since moving to England.
The Spanish side could go into the month with ‘much greater economic capacity’ if Tottenham decide to acquire Lo Celso.
Betis are expecting that to happen, but Mourinho is the deciding factor, and so far Lo Celso has not been in his plans, managing just seven minutes since he replaced Pochettino.
The newspaper says that in England there is talk that Mourinho would prefer a more hard-working midfielder, hinting Lo Celso is not in his plans.
If that’s the case, Tottenham are unlikely to be spending money to make the move permanent this month, and that will likely affect Betis’ plans too.
Spurs may still have to buy Lo Celso in the summer, with a deal mandatory if they qualify for the Champions League, and there’s every chance Mourinho will wait until then rather than paying in January.
