Tottenham are reportedly closing in on a move for Club Brugge forward Antonio Nusa, who may be viewed as a long-term successor to club captain Son Heung-min. The exciting 18-year-old has grabbed the attention of several top teams across Europe with his displays in the Belgian Pro League, but it is Spurs who are in pole position.
Belgian outlet HLN claim that Brugge are in negotiations with Spurs over Nusa, with Ange Postecoglou’s outfit prepared to pay in excess of £26million for their target. Barring any surprises, he is expected to head to north London this month in a deal that very much has one eye on the future.
Nusa would be expected to see out the remainder of the season with Brugge if a deal is completed, as Spurs brought in Timo Werner on loan to remedy their short-term selection problem with Son on international duty at the Asia Cup.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have all previously shown an interest in the teenage Norway international, with the Blues even offering £26m for Nusa on the final day of the summer transfer window, but Spurs appear to have won the race should they be able to iron out the remaining details of the deal.
Nusa himself confirmed that a move to Stamford Bridge was turned down late in the previous window. He explained: “We had a match, Osasuna at home I think. I knew about their interest, but I was not informed about the offer. After the match I turned on my phone and the messages kept coming. The news had leaked.
“I was shocked, but we had actually decided much earlier to stay in Bruges anyway. It surprised me too. I thought: ‘Wow, that’s a lot of money’. However, we had known for some time what we would do, so it didn’t cause me much stress. You think about it, but all in all I remained calm.
“Honestly, I never thought for a moment: ‘Maybe I will do it’. Another year of [Brugge] was the plan anyway. Even now this winter you never know what will happen, but that plan has remained unchanged.”
The plan remains intact despite Spurs’ interest, as Nusa could start next season in Postecoglou’s squad and potentially line up on the left of the Aussie’s attacking trident. Son had moved back to that role with Richarlison central before his South Korea commitments this month.
If Postecoglou’s vision is for Richarlison to remain the central striker, then Musa may be eyed as a replacement for Son when the 31-year-old skipper is eased out of the team.
