Real Betis have reportedly made a fresh approach to re-sign Argentine playmaker Giovani Lo Celso this summer, with talks between Los Verdiblancos and Spurs chiefs expected to ramp up in the next week.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have had an initial approach from La Liga club Real Betis to sign fringe star Giovani Lo Celso this summer, with further talks set to take place in the coming days.
Lo Celso arrived at Tottenham from Real Betis in 2019, initially on loan with an option to buy. The move was made permanent in January 2020, with the whole operation totalling an estimated €48 million, which included a €16 million loan fee and a €32 million permanent option.
However, he has not exactly pulled up any trees and has failed to live up to the lofty expectations placed on his shoulders. During his time in North London, the Argentina international has racked up 84 appearances for Spurs, registering eight goals and six assists.
Although the Argentine has been unable to capture his best form in north London, he has largely impressed during his year-and-a-half loan stay at Villarreal. He was part of the Yellow Submarine side that reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in the 2021/22 season under Unai Emery and helped them to fifth place in La Liga last season.
Not just Galatasaray €9m bid for Davinson Sanchez. Understand Tottenham have been approached also by Real Betis for Giovani Lo Celso. ⚪️🇦🇷 #THFC
There are 2/3 clubs in the race for Lo Celso but Betis are keen on opening talks in the next weeks, Spurs are aware of that. pic.twitter.com/F6i7HHSJik
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2023
The 27-year-old has also played an instrumental role for Argentina on the international stage in recent years. He made six appearances in La Albiceleste’s Copa America triumph in 2021 and would have likely been a starter at the World Cup in Qatar had it not been for an unfortunate injury.
Regardless, Lo Celso has now returned to Tottenham in the off-season as he looks to work out the next step in his career. The Athletic recently reported that Lo Celso would be given the opportunity to impress new manager Ange Postecoglou. But after the arrival of James Madison, that looks like an unlikely scenario, with the Lilywhites expected to offload him again in the summer.
As such, there are suitors interested in acquiring Lo Celso’s services, including his former club, Real Betis. The only stumbling block for the La Liga side could be that the playmaker is out of their budget this summer. And they will need Tottenham to lower their asking price to formulate any kind of deal.
Aston Villa were also said to be keen on his services and could afford to sign him. But it is more likely that Lo Celso will be back in La Liga next season than staying put in the Premier League, as he is clearly not suited to the rigours of English football.
