Dejan Kulusevski was once Tottenham's best player this season (and he probably still is); however, an injury and a poor season overall from Tottenham Hotspur have underwhelmed the impact of a player who even Pep Guardiola paid huge compliments to in the past.
Spurs' Ginger from Sweden had a marvellous start to the 2024/2025 season. While transitioning from a right-winger to a midfield role, Ange Postecoglou managed to unlock the best out of Kulusevski, which is probably one of the best things the Australian did during his tenure. Even after a foot injury that took Kulu out of the pitch for roughly a month, he remains one of the top goal contributors in the current Spurs campaign (20), tied with Brennan Johnson at the very top of the list.
However, with Spurs in 17th place in the league, a Europa League title would be the only thing that could save Tottenham from a disaster of a season, as Postecoglou is on track to be sacked by the end of it. So, with a likely restart of the project and few prospects of European football next season, what does the future hold for Dejan Kulusevski at Tottenham?
Kulu-Sexy or Kulu-Exit?
With no Champions League football, which directly depends on a triumph in Bilbao on May 21st, some players might be inclined to leave the club in the summer. For instance, Cristian Romero is heavily linked to a move following a recent interview in which he expressed his wish to play in La Liga.
Other players could unfortunately follow the same path due to the club's current situation and perspectives, which might also include Kulusevski. With a deal that was extended until June 2028, the Spurs are protected by Kulu's contract. Hence, any suitors who may be interested in signing Kulusevski will need to pay a substantial amount, as his valuation stands at 60 million euros with potential for further increase, or until Daniel Levy needs to keep the books in order.
However, it would also depend on the player's side whether he wants to leave or not, which would be influenced by the project for next season. I don't personally think Kulusevski is the type who would force himself out of the club, as he has previously demonstrated leadership qualities and spoken out on behalf of the club and the team in the past. He also receives considerable support from the fanbase, as Kulu thanked the fans for their love in a song that even featured the Spurs' CEO:
"I do not care about Levy, he do not care about me, all I care about, is Kulusevskiâ¦"
Spurs fans
Even so... Dejan is frustrated, and he should be...
At the same time, Kulusevski does not seem satisfied with the club's current situation (as none of us are), which becomes crystal clear in his post-match interview after the defeat to Nottingham Forest. The Swede stormed out after the 2-1 loss to Forest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which became the 18th Premier League defeat of the season, only to be followed up by a 5-1 embarrassing battering at Anfield this past weekend.
Besides his discontent with the team's lack of rebounding prowess, Kulusevski objectively criticized the performances this season, claiming that "it is not good enough." As Kulu has always been a competitor at Spurs, he is not shy about pointing out when things go wrong, which I believe is an admirable trait of an individual who constantly seeks glory. The self-criticism that is so desperately needed at this club.
"This year we cannot say that we are prepared. We did a lot of things wrong from the beginning of the season and we are paying for it right now."
Dejan Kulusevski
That dissatisfaction runs deeper into the club's hierarchy, and how Tottenham planned out for the season in all areas. In the quote below, it is evident that the former Juventus player understands the workings of serious clubs, which contrasts sharply with Spurs' ambitions and planning for the 2024/2025 campaign.
"The top clubs know exactly what they are doing. They are bringing in a lot of players that are ready to play both competitions."
Dejan Kulusevski
In the end, as unfortunate as I hate to admit, Kulusevski deserves better than this. It is no secret that Tottenham Hotspur's football administration is in disarray, and it frustrates me that the club has a strong set of players, especially the starters, capable of competing at a higher level. However, the team lacks depth, which is directly reflected in the absence of proper investment (or poor allocation of those) that could give the club a top-notch chance of winning trophies.
I believe there is a future for Kulusevski at Spurs, and I also think he will stay for now. I trust that the club will aim to retain him and a particular core of players that will help build a winning team from the ashes of this season. After all, they were already attempting to do that with Ange, and that approach should continue, whether or not he is involved. However, Levy, Lange, and all those involved in football operations need to show more intention. Otherwise, Romero won't be the only one to indirectly ask for a ticket out of the Lane.