Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham look set to part ways with Giovani Lo Celso despite even Lionel Messi revealing his admiration of the player.
Aston Villa have been active in the transfer market this summer, and a £33.5million deal involving Lo Celso could see another fresh face join Unai Emery's ranks. This comes after Argentinian broadcaster Directv Sports (via The Mirror) reported Spurs are set to send the midfielder to Villa in exchange for Jacob Ramsey - along with £20million in cash.
It speaks volumes as to just how highly Postecoglou rates Ramsey, who has already racked up more than 100 Premier League appearances without truly nailing down a place in Villa's starting XI. And despite Lo Celso finding a new lease of life in north London, it seems Tottenham are willing to cut ties in preference of a younger prospect.
And it could be an intelligent move for Villa given he comes with high praise from none other than Messi himself. The midfielder recently won the Copa America for the second time with Argentina alongside Messi, who has even gone so far as to label Lo Celso the team's top midfielder.
That's according to a 2023 report by AS, which suggested that Messi had recommended Lo Celso to former club Barcelona just last year. Lo Celso, 28, spent 18 months on loan at Villarreal between 2022 and 2023 before Postecoglou's arrival in England gifted him a fresh opportunity.
The 57-timed capped international would have been part of the Argentina squad that clinched the 2022 World Cup if not for a hamstring injury. However, he has since demonstrated his value by assisting Lautaro Martinez to clinch a 1-0 extra-time victory over Colombia to win another Copa America.
The player is valued at just £13.5million by Transfermarkt, but perhaps that figure doesn't accurately portray Lo Celso's true worth. And it may help that he'll have Argentinian compatriots Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia and new arrival Enzo Barrenechea for company in Birmingham should he make the move.
There was a period when Lo Celso was seen as the potential successor to Messi at the Camp Nou. However, injuries and a fast turnover of Spurs managers have caused his career to falter at times in recent years.
In return, Spurs will be getting their hands on a very promising and versatile talent in Ramsey, who made 21 appearances for Villa last term. However, unlike Lo Celso, he's yet to get the thumbs up from Messi.