Postecoglou has plans for forgotten Spurs man after blocking Barcelona transfer

02 September 2023 , 14:47

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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso was targeted by Barcelona on Deadline Day, but Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou blocked the move.

Lo Celso had been linked with a move away from Tottenham after spending the last 18 months on loan at Villarreal. He was an unused substitute in Spurs' first two Premier League games this season, but made an appearance off the bench in the 2-0 win over Bournemouth last week.

And according to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona were considering a Deadline Day swoop for Lo Celso. The report states that they made an 'informal approach' about the player's availability, with manager Xavi keen to bolster his squad.

However, Tottenham were only willing to sanction an exit if Barcelona were prepared to complete a permanent transfer or sign him on loan with obligation to buy. The report adds that despite Postecoglou not including him against Burnley this weekend, he is 'counting on him' this season and views him as an important squad option.

Speaking during pre-season, Postecoglou said: "I like Gio. He fits the way we play. I enjoy working with him and he seems to enjoy working with us." The World Cup winner is currently out of action with an injury he picked up in Tottenham's League Cup defeat to Fulham on Tuesday.

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However, Postecoglou is hopeful Lo Celso will be back in action after the international break when Spurs host Sheffield United on September 16. "From the other night, the only one missing is Gio Lo Celso," Postecoglou said ahead of Tottenham's tip to Burnley.

"He's got a quad strain, that's why we took him off at half-time [against Fulham]. "It's nothing too serious. We've got the break coming up so hopefully not too long after that."

Barcelona were keen on a Deadline Day move for Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (Sergio Ruiz / Pressinphoto / Icon Sport)

Although Barcelona may have missed out on the signing of Lo Celso, they were very active on Deadline Day. The Spanish giants completed the signings of both Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo on season-long loan deals with no purchase option.

They also shipped out four players, with Ez Abde joining Real Betis for €7.5m (£6.4m). Clement Lenglet, Ansu Fati and Eric Garcia also left on loan, with Lenglet and Fati joining Premier League sides Aston Villa and Brighton respectively and Garcia remaining in La Liga with Girona.

Tottenham, meanwhile, forked out £47.5m to sign Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest and let Sergio Reguilon and Japhet Tanganga complete loan moves to Manchester United and Augsburg respectively.

Matthew Cooper