10 January 2024 , 15:39
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Tottenham are doing smart transfer deals to give Ange Ball a top-four bounce.
Spurs have already confirmed the signing of former Chelsea forward Timo Werner on loan with the option of a £30m permanent deal in the summer. They have also agreed a £21m-plus deal for Genoa defender Radu Dragusin after beating off late competition from Bayern Munich despite the Germans offering a bigger fee and contract.
It is smart business with both fitting in line with Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou's tactics and style as they look to build on their impressive first half of the season.
And they both arrive in time to give Tottenham a major boost ahead of Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford as they could strengthen their own top four chances - and kill off Manchester United's at the same time.
They are also two early deals - a million miles away from chairman Daniel Levy's old reputation of pushing deals to the wire - to maximise the benefit of the signings for the rest of the season. It will give both Werner and Dragusin a chance to adjust to Postecgolou’s style and demands for high-pressing football with a high defensive line.
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Furthermore, while their top-four rivals like Arsenal are hamstrung financially, Spurs are giving themselves a major boost just when they need it. Werner, 27, was hit-and-miss for Chelsea because he won the Champions League but also became known for being wasteful in front of goal.
But Postecoglou wants him because of his work rate, closing down opponents and pace. Werner is renowned for his pressing game and Spurs can get the best out of him. They are also signing a player with a point to prove in English football and a determination to get back into the Germany squad ahead of the Euros after a frustrating time back at RB Leipzig.
Spurs have sealed the signing of Timo Werner on loan (Getty Images)Who else do you think Spurs need to sign? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Spurs now have a forward line with options as Richarlison is improving through the middle while Werner and Son Heung-Min have energy in the wide attacking areas with Brennan Johnson also full of potential and the new competition means he will have to raise his game.
Dragusin, 21, is versatile and was clearly catching the eye because Tottenham beat off competition from Bayern, Napoli and AC Milan. The Romania defender has often played left-sided centre-back but is good enough on the ball to play anywhere across the back.
Dragusin’s agent is even quoted in the Romanian media as saying Bayern offered a bigger contract, they were up all night weighing up whether to go to Germany but eventually decided Tottenham was the better move for his career.
Agent Florin Manea told GSP: "There was more money from Bayern, but he decided that this is the right step for his career. We stayed up all night to think. I did not sleep at all as we weighed up the pros and cons. Both Napoli and AC Milan wanted him, but he has dreamed of playing in the Premier League from a young age.
"It has to be appreciated that he chose his career before money. I don't know how many would have refused the offer we had from Bayern. There were many who didn't think we were denying Bayern but I said this is the right step."