Transfer News

Tottenham Bolster Backline with Long-Term Deal for Radu Dragusin

January 11, 2024

Tottenham Hotspur have secured the long-term future of promising defender Radu Dragusin, snapping up the 21-year-old Romanian on a six-and-a-half-year contract from Genoa.

Dragusin, who reportedly spurned advances from Bayern Munich and Napoli to join Spurs, has been handed the symbolic number six shirt, previously worn by Davinson Sanchez. This signing bolsters Tottenham’s defensive options and could see Dragusin in contention for a debut as early as Saturday’s crucial clash against Manchester United.

The young defender initially impressed during a loan spell from Juventus at Genoa in 2022, playing a key role in their Serie A promotion. That performance triggered clauses that made his move permanent, and Dragusin has continued to shine this season. He has featured in 22 games across all competitions for Genoa, chipping in with two goals and an assist, with 19 of those appearances coming in Serie A, where Genoa currently sit comfortably in 12th place.

Adding international experience to his domestic pedigree, Dragusin has already amassed 13 caps for Romania since his debut in March 2022. He becomes Tottenham’s second January signing, following the arrival of Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig, and completes a busy day of transfer activity between Spurs and Genoa, with full-back Djed Spence moving in the opposite direction on loan.

Dragusin’s arrival provides manager Ange Postecoglou with valuable defensive depth and versatility, as the youngster can play both centrally and at right-back. With Manchester United looming on the horizon, Dragusin could be thrown straight into the fire, eager to prove his worth in the demanding world of Premier League football.

While Fulham prepare for a London derby clash with Chelsea just two days later, Liverpool can enjoy a slightly longer break before their league encounter with Bournemouth on January 21st. All eyes, however, will be on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday as Dragusin, potentially making his debut, hopes to help Spurs secure a vital victory against Manchester United.