Tottenham Hotspur has reportedly set an asking price for one of its recent signings, Radu Dragusin, as Italian clubs Juventus and Napoli are looking to bring him back to Serie A during the January transfer window. Dragusin, a 22-year-old central defender from Romania, joined Spurs earlier this year but has struggled to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup. Despite a few appearances following Micky van de Ven’s hamstring injury, Dragusin has faced difficulties, including poor performances in the Europa League loss to Galatasaray and a shocking home defeat to Ipswich in the Premier League.
The defender has found himself behind Van de Ven and Cristian Romero in the pecking order, which has led to speculation about his future at the club. According to reports, Dragusin initially hoped to prove his worth in the Premier League, but his struggles to displace either of the regular starting centre-backs have made him reconsider his position. Juventus and Napoli are now reportedly interested in securing a deal for the player, who had previously played in Italy with Genoa before moving to Tottenham.
Tottenham is said to be demanding around €30 million (£25 million/$31.5 million) for Dragusin, which would represent a modest profit on the €25 million (£21.5 million/$20.8 million) they paid for him earlier this year. Although Dragusin’s potential departure could leave Tottenham short on defensive options, the club has reportedly indicated that they will only sanction his sale in January if they secure a suitable replacement. Tottenham is known to be actively seeking another central defender, which could ensure they remain strong at the back if Dragusin departs.
One name that has come into the picture as a potential target for Spurs is Illia Zabarnyi, a 22-year-old centre-back from Bournemouth. Zabarnyi, who moved to Bournemouth from Dynamo Kyiv in a complicated transfer during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has impressed since arriving in the Premier League. Despite challenges in securing his move, the £15 million transfer has proven worthwhile, as Zabarnyi has played a key role in Bournemouth’s recent rise under manager Andoni Iraola. The Cherries are currently just outside the Premier League’s top four, and Zabarnyi’s performances have caught the attention of several big clubs, including Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
Bournemouth, however, is reportedly reluctant to let go of the young defender, making any potential move difficult this winter. Nevertheless, a transfer is not entirely out of the question, especially as clubs like Tottenham are monitoring his progress closely. Zabarnyi’s strong performances in the Premier League have made him a valuable asset, and his potential move to Spurs could add depth and quality to their defensive options.
Meanwhile, there is also interest in some other players. Tottenham, along with Liverpool and Manchester City, is reportedly keeping tabs on Real Valladolid winger Raul Moro, who has been in good form this season, contributing three goals and one assist in 13 La Liga appearances. Moro’s rising profile has attracted attention from top clubs, with Spurs among those who could make a move for him in the future.
In other news, Turkish club Galatasaray is reportedly keen on signing Tottenham captain Son Heung-min in January. Son’s current contract with Spurs is set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season, though there is an option for an additional year. Despite this, Galatasaray is reportedly preparing to make an offer for the South Korean star in the upcoming winter transfer window, making for an intriguing potential transfer story for Spurs.
As Tottenham navigates the transfer market, the club’s activity in January could involve significant changes to the squad. Dragusin’s potential exit, alongside the search for new signings like Zabarnyi, demonstrates that Tottenham is seeking to strengthen its defense while also managing the challenges of a busy winter window. The club’s transfer decisions will be key to determining the strength and depth of the squad for the second half of the season.
