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Tottenham Hotspur 'plan to keep hold of 22-year-old despite lack of game time'

By Carter White | 14 May 2024

Spurs 'plan to keep hold of 22-year-old despite lack of game time'

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning to keep Radu Dragusin at the club next season, despite the defender struggling for game time since joining in January.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly not interested in selling Radu Dragusin this summer, despite the defender's lack of game time.

The 22-year-old made the switch from Italian side Genoa during the January transfer window, as the Lilywhites look to bolster their charge towards Champions League qualification.

Dragusin has failed to cement his place as a starter in North London, though, playing just two Premier League matches from the outset so far.

Summer arrival Micky van de Ven and World Cup winner Cristian Romero have been the clear first-choice pairing at centre-back for head coach Ange Postecoglou.

The Romania international was a key figure for Genoa during the first half of the 2023-24 season, scoring two goals in 19 appearances in Serie A.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou pictured on May 11, 2024 © Reuters

Spurs 'to keep hold of Dragusin despite struggles'

According to Football Insider, Spurs have formalised their plan surrounding the future of January signing Dragusin ahead of the summer trading point.

The report claims that the Lilywhites are not looking to offload the centre-back, who last started for the club in the 2-1 win over Luton Town on March 30.

After his impressive displays in Italy for Genoa earlier in the campaign, it is understood that there is interest from Serie A for the services of Dragusin.

It is believed that 2022-23 Italian champions Napoli are keen on a summer swoop for the defender, but Spurs are planning on retaining the centre-back ahead of next term.

Apart from his current spell at Spurs, Dragusin has played his senior club football exclusively in Italy, at Juventus, Sampdoria, Salernitana and most recently Genoa.

Tottenham Hotspur's Pedro Porro celebrates scoring their first goal on May 11, 2024 © Reuters

Postecoglou's summer plans

Dragusin's hopes of receiving more game time next season could be dealt a serious blow if recent reports turn into reality over the coming months.

It has been stated that Spurs boss Postecoglou could want to bring in as many as four new defenders during the summer transfer window.

With full-backs Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie both suffering with their respective fitness issues recently, the Australian coach is hoping to have suitable backups during the 2024-25 term.

That being said, Tottenham are set to earn a spot in the Europa League as they sit fifth in the Premier League, meaning that Dragusin would have at least eight more matches to target for game time.