Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Tottenham have been swindled in double Serie A deal as clubs sensed they were ‘desperate’ – pundit

Juventus pair Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski challenge Spezia's Leo Sena, March 2020

Tottenham may have paid over the odds for their double Serie A deal as clubs sensed they were desperate in the January transfer window.

That’s the view of one pundit after Spurs negotiated the transfers of Juventus pair Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski. They are set to be Antonio Conte’s first signings after Fabio Paratici raided his former club, as has been expected since his arrival.

Midfielder Bentancur, who turned down Aston Villa, has undergone his medical while on international duty with Uruguay.

And Sweden winger Kulusevski flew into the English capital on Sunday night to finalise his deal with the north London club.

The signings of the 24 and 21-year-old respectively are very exciting ones. But they come after a string of misses.

Fellow Italian league targets Dusan Vlahovic and Paulo Dybala fell by the wayside. And that raises a question about the motivation behind the double move.

Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has suggested it was made in desperation, with Bentancur reportedly costing £19m and Kulusevski up to £33.2m, as per the Evening Standard.


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When asked about Tottenham’s business in the winter window, Phillips told Football Insider: “I think it is difficult to get good deals in January.

“But when you make it common knowledge that you want to sign players then clubs you are talking to hike their prices up.

Bergwijn loss wouldn't be terrible for Spurs

Bergwijn loss wouldn't be terrible for Spurs

The Dutchman has been in good form recently, but overall wouldn't be a huge miss for Spurs.

“Clubs will sense Spurs are desperate to sign players so they might end up paying over the odds.

“It will take Conte three or four windows to get a squad together that he is happy with. A squad that he thinks is capable of challenging.

“It is a tough situation. Clubs will not let players go cheap now when they know Spurs are desperate.”

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Bentancur could slot straight into midfield next to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. That has been a problem position for Conte since he joined the club last November.

He’s been a regular starter for the Old Lady this season, having been with them since 2017. He should therefore be up to full fitness.

On the other hand, Kulusevski has found himself on the bench for most of the campaign.

However, he has demonstrated his quality on multiple occasions since a £31.5m move from Atalanta two years ago. And he could be a Spurs star for years to come.

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