Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin is planning discussions with the club about his future, following renewed interest from Italy's Serie A. Roma have become the latest side to register their admiration for the centre-back, who recently returned from a long-term injury.
Return From Injury and Squad Competition
The 23-year-old Romanian international made his comeback as a late substitute in Spurs' 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday. This marked his first appearance since suffering a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury in January, which sidelined him for 11 months.
During his lengthy absence, Dragusin's position in the defensive pecking order has shifted. He is now considered behind both first-choice pairing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, as well as Kevin Danso, in manager Thomas Frank's plans. Furthermore, the club continues to monitor the progress of Croatian teenager Luka Vuskovic, who is impressing on loan at Hamburg.
Dragusin's Concerns and Club Stance
Dragusin is reportedly worried that if he remains on the periphery for the rest of this season, he will face intense competition from at least four other players at the start of the next campaign, having played minimal football in nearly two years. His primary desire is to secure regular playing time.
His agent, Florin Manea, has informed Romanian media that while Tottenham have indicated they are not keen on a loan departure, they are open to a conversation about the best path forward. The club paid £27 million to sign him from Genoa in January 2024, and he remains highly regarded in Italian football circles.
Italian Interest and Tottenham's Broader Strategy
Interest from Italy is strong. Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini is said to be considering Dragusin, alongside Chelsea's Axel Disasi, as a potential defensive reinforcement. Previously, Inter Milan, managed by Romanian Cristian Chivu, have also been linked.
While a loan may be off the table, Tottenham could be persuaded by a permanent deal as they look to reshape their squad. This aligns with a stated broader strategy at the club to improve their player trading. Manager Thomas Frank recently emphasised the importance of being effective in the transfer market, stating: 'Part of it is being able to sell. You see the other top clubs, they are quite good at selling. That’s something we need to be improving.'
In a related move underscoring this approach, Spurs have accepted a £35 million offer from Crystal Palace for winger Brennan Johnson, pending the player's agreement. The club recognises the need to capitalise on the value of players who may not be central to their long-term plans.
The situation presents a crucial decision for both player and club. Dragusin seeks the minutes needed to reignite his career, while Tottenham must balance their investment in the player against the need for squad balance and financial pragmatism. The upcoming talks will be pivotal in determining whether his future lies in North London or back in Serie A.
