Hugo Lloris left the club on a permanent deal, joining Los Angeles FC, while Eric Dier headed to Bayern Munich on loan. Sergio Reguilon and Ivan Perisic were other high-profile departures, joining Brentford and Hajduk Split respectively on temporary deals.
But a lesser scrutinised loan deal centred around Alejo Veliz, who made a deadline day switch to Sevilla for the rest of the season. The 20-year-old has scored once since his £13million move from Rosario Central in the summer, but is seemingly a player for the future as far as Messi is concerned.
Outlining why Veliz signifies one of his country’s best young talents, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said in December: “Watching him play reminds me of what Suarez used to play like. I am very excited for the future of this country, and hope I can be an influence to these people, and talk to him.”
And now another star previously lauded by the playmaker is set to leave north London. According to the Mirror, Spurs are in talks with Galatasaray over midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, who now appears out in the cold under Postecoglou since James Maddison returned to full fitness.
The Turkish transfer window doesn’t close until Friday, and having only made four Premier League starts this season, Lo Celso is reportedly open to the switch. But he may have had his sights set higher when initially linked with a transfer last season, after Messi recommended him to Barcelona.
AS reported last year that Messi named the midfielder as the best player in Argentina’s national team. Manager Xavi was keen to pursue a deal but at the time the Premier League weren’t keen to let La Celso, who missed the 2022 World Cup with a hamstring injury, leave the club.
Fans however, are unlikely to lament the potential of a transfer to the Turkish Super Lig. Lo Celso initially joined on a season-long loan deal from Real Betis, before making the deal permanent in 2020.
But the four years since have included two temporary moves to Villarreal. Indeed, the ex-PSG man has managed just 59 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham, the majority of which have come from the bench, scoring nine times.
