Alejo Veliz’s refusal to leave Rosario Central is holding up Tottenham Hotspur selling him to the City Football Group.
That’s according to Pagina 12, who provide the latest on the deal today. They explain that it is the striker who is holding up the proposal. He has been linked with a move to Brazil throughout this week, including on Saturday.
They explain that although Rosario Central are denying any deal to take Veliz away, the opposite is true. Tottenham have already agreed a transfer with the City Football Group that can earn them $20m. That would be $10m plus another $10m in potential add-ons.
They’re keen to wrap up the deal but Veliz is refusing to move. His refusal is the only reason the deal hasn’t been finalised. Tottenham can terminate his current loan but would have to compensate Rosario Central, and negotiate the amount of that.
The Argentines, meanwhile, are trying to negotiate keeping Veliz until the end of the season at least. Rosario Central and the Tottenham player are on the same page, which isn’t helping transfer matters.
The City Football Group, though, want to sign the forward and send him to Bahia. His refusal to move right now is creating doubts around the negotiation.
Tottenham, however, are determined to sell as they can recoup a large part of their initial investment on a player who is not a part of their plans. They consider his exit to be a done deal, and are now trying to force matters.
Rosario Central’s board are currently focused on fighting to keep the striker until June because they don’t have a replacement. They also don’t feel that they could bring one in with they money they’ll have available. Tottenham seemingly have other plans, and want to bulldoze the move through.