Tottenham Hotspur has reportedly declined to initiate talks with Serie A club Napoli regarding the potential transfer of defender Radu Dragusin. Despite growing interest from the Italian side, Spurs are currently not entertaining discussions about letting go of the 22-year-old Romanian centre-back.
Dragusin, who joined Tottenham from Genoa, has found more playing time recently due to an injury to Micky van de Ven, who has been sidelined with a hamstring issue. However, his increased involvement in the first team has sparked mixed reactions from fans. While some supporters question whether he fits the playing style of manager Ange Postecoglou, particularly in a system that demands high technical ability from defenders, others argue that it is too early to make definitive judgments on his potential.
Despite these varied opinions, Dragusin has shown flashes of his ability. Although he has had limited opportunities, including in the Premier League and Europa League, Spurs have refrained from making any decisions regarding his future. According to Italian journalist Nicolo Ceccarini, Napoli, along with other Serie A clubs such as Juventus and Inter Milan, have been monitoring Dragusin as a potential addition to their defensive lineup. However, Tottenham has made it clear that they are not yet open to negotiations.
The delay in discussions seems to stem from Spurs’ desire to assess Dragusin’s development further. With the team still trying to establish its preferred defensive partnerships and style under Postecoglou, the club is likely hesitant to let go of a young defender who could play a significant role in the future.
In terms of his performances this season, Dragusin has featured in multiple competitions for Tottenham. In the Premier League, he has appeared in four matches, though without keeping a clean sheet. His two appearances in the Carabao Cup also did not result in a clean sheet, while his three Europa League outings saw him help the team to one shutout. Despite these mixed statistics, he has gained valuable experience in various roles, and Spurs seem content to hold onto him for the time being.
From a fan perspective, the idea of parting ways with Dragusin has divided opinions. Some feel that, given Tottenham’s ambitions to compete at the highest level under Postecoglou, they need a more refined defender, one who can thrive in a possession-heavy system. On the other hand, others believe that Dragusin, still young, deserves more time to develop his game and adjust to the rigors of English football. His performances, while inconsistent, could improve with more regular playing time, which might be why Spurs are hesitant to let him go just yet.
Tottenham’s reluctance to sell Dragusin at this stage could also be a reflection of their longer-term strategy. With the club undergoing a transformation under Postecoglou, they may prefer to keep their squad depth intact, especially in defense, where injuries can quickly create a need for backup options. Although there has been speculation about potential departures, Tottenham appears committed to giving Dragusin a chance to prove himself before making any decisions about his future.
In conclusion, while Napoli and other clubs in Italy may have expressed interest in Dragusin, Tottenham Hotspur is not yet open to talks about his transfer. Spurs are taking a cautious approach, evaluating his progress before considering any potential move, with the aim of ensuring that any decision aligns with their long-term goals under Postecoglou’s management. For now, Dragusin remains part of the squad, and his role at Tottenham will continue to evolve as the season progresses.
