Postecoglou wins, as Tottenham stun Man City to wrap up ‘big signing’; transfer fee revealed
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou has succeeded where he failed at Celtic after Tottenham struck an agreement to sign a defender wanted by Manchester City, per reports.
Spurs sought to address their centre-back position during the summer window, with the headline-making move the arrival of Micky van de Ven.
However, the Dutchman was not alone in signing up for the north London club. Indeed, Tottenham added 18-year-old Ashley Phillips to their ranks when plucking the highly-rated teenager out of Blackburn Rovers.
Another addition at centre-half was sought, though ultimately did not come to pass. Nonetheless, Fabrizio Romano recently brought news of Tottenham succeeding with another move for the future.
The trusted transfer guru revealed Tottenham have agreed personal terms with 16-year-old Croatian sensation, Luka Vuskovic.
The centre-back already stands at an imposing 6ft 4in tall despite his tender age and has racked up 11 first-team appearances too.
Romano gave the move his signature “here we go” confirmation, though fresh information on the coup has now come to light.
Postecoglou admiration, transfer fee, rival suitors all emerge
Firstly, Italian outlet Calciomercato reveal Postecoglou’s interest in Vuskovic pre-dates his time in England.
In fact, the Australian reportedly wanted Vuskovic when managing Celtic, though a move obviously did not take shape.
Nonetheless, Postecoglou has succeeded at the second time of asking with Spurs and in doing so, the club have fended off competition from some of Europe’s elite.
Calciomercato added that aside from Spurs, Man City, PSG and AC Milan were also courting Vuskovic. As such, the Italian report labels the move a ‘big signing’ for Tottenham.
Elsewhere, the transfer fee involved is understood to be €14m plus bonuses. That roughly equates to £12m.
Precisely when Vuskovic will link up with Tottenham is yet to be clarified, with some outlets stating it won’t be until he turns 18. That would mean Vuskovic wouldn’t make the move until February of 2025.
However, Calciomercato conclude it is not yet confirmed that Tottenham cannot bring the move forward to January of 2024 before sending the player out on loan to clubs of their choice until the player’s 18th birthday.
In any case, what is clear is Postecoglou and Spurs have wrapped up a move that may well prove to be a masterstroke in the future.
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