Sport Witness

Tottenham Hotspur’s plans to move Alejo Véliz to the City Football Group may not be as straightforward as first thought, despite an £8.5m (€10m) agreement already being in place with Bahia.

Fresh reporting from Argentina now suggests Spurs no longer have the contractual leverage to act quickly.

According to Argentine journalist Enrique Genovar, the recall clause included in Véliz’s loan only applied under specific conditions. Tottenham could bring him back early only if the striker played fewer than 50% of Rosario Central’s matches in the previous semester. That wasn’t the case. As a result, the clause has expired.

Guillermo Ferretti, another local journalist, backs up the same reading of the contract and makes the situation even clearer. Even with Bahia’s offer agreed, Tottenham cannot simply cut the loan short. Under the current terms, Véliz would remain at Rosario Central until June 30th.

A more detailed breakdown from Enrique Genovar in newspaper El Ciudadano reinforces that position. The story explains that Véliz can only leave during this window if Rosario Central give their approval. Without that green light, the deal stalls, regardless of the agreement reached by Tottenham elsewhere.

There is, however, one possible twist.

Tottenham deal rests on Véliz’s intentions

If Véliz personally decides he wants to leave now, Rosario Central would then need to negotiate compensation with Tottenham. That would open a new round of talks, rather than a clean loan termination.

In short, Tottenham may have a deal lined up inside the City Football Group, but they may not control the timing. Rosario Central now sit firmly in the middle, and the player’s own stance could yet shape what happens next.

Given the potential transfer fee would send around £8.5m to Spurs, there’s not a great deal to play with should Rosario Central want meaty compensation.

The power now rests with the player, because if he doesn’t fancy the move then it’s going to be impossible to get it off the ground.

Tottenham Hotspur’s talks with the City Football Group over Alejo Véliz have now entered a clearer financial stage, following new reports from South America.

We have previously covered that Bahia have reached an agreement in principle with Spurs for a permanent deal. Now Argentine journalist Germán García Grova reports the fee involved is around £8.5m (€10m).

According to his information, Véliz is currently on loan at Rosario Central until June. However, Tottenham want to cut that loan short in order to sell him to the Brazilian club during this window. The striker has not yet commented publicly on the situation.

Further reporting from local insider Alejo Gerbaudo supports the existence of an agreement between Tottenham and Bahia at the same valuation. However, his update adds an important complication.

Véliz reportedly wants to stay at Rosario Central to play in the Copa Libertadores. Because of that, he is prepared to push for his wish, which could slow down the move and affect the timeline.

Tottenham more inclined to cash in

From Tottenham’s point of view, this might not be good news. The striker returned to Rosario Central last summer after disappointing loan spells in Spain. So at this stage, Spurs appear more inclined to cash in than to bring him back into their plans.

In Brazil, Globo Esporte confirmed the negotiations and provided broader context around Bahia’s interest. This is not the first time the Brazilian club have tried to sign Véliz.

In 2022, reports in Argentina claimed Bahia were willing to pay around £2.7m (€3m) for 85% of his economic rights. At the time, the forward was 19 years old and seen as one of Argentina’s standout prospects. Now they’re having another chance to sign the Tottenham player.

We’ll see if Véliz accepts a move into the City Football Group structure now, or prioritises continental football in Argentina.

Manchester City owners City Football Group [CFG] are keen on adding Tottenham Hotspur’s Alejo Véliz to their stable.

That’s according to Argentine journalist César Luis Merlo, who reports this in his column for UOL.

Earlier this month, claims from Brazil reported interest from Flamengo. Now it’s Bahia, owned by CFG, which oversees the Manchester City stable, who want to sign the Tottenham player on a permanent transfer in the winter market.

Spurs signed the Argentine from Rosario Central in August 2022. He struggled in his first few months at the north London club, who sent him on loan to Sevilla and Espanyol in the next 18 months.

The 22-year-old wasn’t able to impress regularly in Spain and decided to return to Rosario Central in July. The striker has scored five goals and contributed one assist from 16 matches for the Argentine club this season.

Merlo claims Bahia have made an offer to sign the Spurs owned player. That offer is ‘quite high’, without a figure being mentioned. There’s an ‘agreement in principle’ with Thomas Frank’s side.

Tottenham will have to cut short Véliz’s stay before sanctioning his move to Brazil. The journalist claims this should happen in the coming days. He hasn’t specified whether the player is open to a move.

Tottenham expected to agree transfer with Manchester City group

TyC Sports relay UOL’s claim and provide their take on the possibility of Rosario Central losing Véliz in January. The latest development has come as a ‘complete surprise’.

According to them, Spurs have an option to recall him in this window and are likely to exercise it.

Véliz trained with the rest of the squad on Tuesday. Rosario Central have a friendly against Almirante Brown today. Therefore, TyC Sports report ‘Wednesday is key’ to find out whether manager Jorge Almirón will rest the attacker or include him in the squad.

It’s likely to be the former as there’s belief Véliz will end up joining the CFG, and be part of the Manchester City group of clubs.

Tottenham could wait until the end of the January transfer window to decide on Radu Dragusin’s potential move to AS Roma.

That’s according to Tuttomercatoweb. They report that while a deal is there to be done, Tottenham will delay things.

A report earlier today indicated that Dragusin is on the verge of leaving Tottenham. He has already reached an agreement on personal terms with Roma to join them. The Romanian was even believed to have put his foot down over the transfer.

This came after the defender’s agent dismissed a move to Fiorentina. La Viola had come forward before Roma, but they’re in the relegation zone and their chances of survival are questionable to say the least.

Dragusin isn’t keen on dropping into such a scenario and it was made clear he would rather move closer to the top of Serie A. That’s when Roma appeared, and pushed quickly for a move in recent days.

All that separated the two clubs was €5m.

TMW back this up somewhat, reporting that the deal has been put in ‘pending’. It is yet to be finalised and the indications are that it may only be done at the end of the window.

Roma have offered a loan with an option to buy included set at €25m. There is no guarantee of the permanent transfer, it is only an option.

Tottenham press the pause button

Tottenham, for their part, would prefer to sell and are waiting for a more attractive offer to arrive. They’ll only consider the loan deal at the end of the window if better offers haven’t arrived by that point.

That’s no surprise, but may annoy Dragusin’s agent, who said yesterday he expected a quick response from Tottenham. He’s got the response, but it’s unlikely to be the one he was waiting for.

All on pause until Roma offer a better deal.

AS Roma have made advances in their ongoing pursuit to sign Aston Villa’s Donyell Malen in the winter market.

On Monday, Corriere della Sera reported the Italian club have agreed a deal in principle with Unai Emery’s side. They aim to sign the forward on loan with an option to buy.

Earlier today, Gazzetta dello Sport backed up and explained Aston Villa have given the green light to this operation. Roma have agreed to pay €1.5m loan fee and the option to buy is around €20-21m.

The Serie A side have been in talks with the 26-year-old over personal terms. He is yet to give his approval while Atlético Madrid have now stepped in to sign him, perhaps with an assist from Tottenham Hotspur.

Gianluca Di Marzio reports Diego Simeone’s side have the Netherlands international as the main target to replace Atalanta bound Giacomo Raspadori.

Los Rojiblancos will receive €40m from Conor Gallagher’s impending sale to Tottenham Hotspur. Aston Villa had wanted an initial loan, and the quick money from Thomas Frank’s side was preferred.

With these funds from Spurs, Atlético now seem to be focusing on 26-year-old Malen.

Aston Villa player isn’t nailed on for Roma yet

Di Marzio reports Atlético are ‘working to sign’ the Dutchman from Aston Villa and beat Roma and other interested parties in the process. As well as the Giallorossi, Napoli have shown interest in the attacker.

Emery’s side have to find a new agreement with Atlético for the move to go through. The player’s approval is also needed.

Aston Villa were keen on signing Gallagher before Tottenham took the lead. It’s not clear whether this operation would impact the Madrid club’s chances of being successful in their efforts to sign Malen.

The likeliest stance is that Villa see it as a way to potentially get more money. And an indirect bonus from losing out on Gallagher to Tottenham.

At this moment in time, Atlético’s interest in Malen hasn’t been reported in the Spanish or the Dutch press.

He’s managed seven goals and two assists from 29 matches for the Villans this season.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the process of completing the signing of Santos’ Souza in the winter market.

The left-back wasn’t in the Santos squad to face Novorizontino last Saturday. His camp had asked for him to be excused after Tottenham raised their offer from €10m to €15m. That amount was enough for Santos and endangering the transfer wasn’t a step anyone was prepared to take.

After that match, the Brazilian club’s manager, Juan Pablo Vojvoda, said the move to London was well on track.

Santos made a late effort to block the 19-year-old’s move to Tottenham by offering him an improved contract. However, he turned it down to join Thomas Frank’s side, and the effort may have simply been a show for Santos fans.

On Monday, AS journalist Eduardo Burgos reported the fullback will travel to London after Tottenham reached a full agreement over the weekend.

UOL now report the Brazilian will travel today to complete his move to Tottenham.

They state the Premier League side’s project convinced him to make an effort to secure a move. Therefore, he has given up more than 10% of his rights. Diário do Peixe reported yesterday that the figure is 25%, while Santos hold the remaining 75%.

The cost of the deal is R$ 90m [around €15m] and Souza gave up R$ 11.8m [€1.9m] to switch to Tottenham.

Santos haven’t announced his exit yet but behind the scenes, it’s ‘already considered as a certainty’.

Tottenham announcement on the way

RTI Esporte also report the Europa League winners should announce his arrival shortly. They state he made a trip to London and Spurs will present him shortly.

According to RTI, Souza gave up 12.5% of his rights. This is a different figure for the 25% reported previously.

Frank’s side are close to confirming Souza’s arrival while Santos have decided not to bring in a replacement. The announcement should be on the way, although Tottenham may decide to wait and do a double reveal with Conor Gallagher.

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have followed West Ham United in showing interest in US Lecce’s Tiago Gabriel.

Two months ago, Gazzetta dello Sport reported Lecce rejected West Ham’s €18m bid for the centre-back and requested €25m. On January 3rd, Lecce president Sticchi Damiani said he would like to keep Gabriel.

The president’s admission and the Serie A side rejecting West Ham’s bid hasn’t put off Thomas Frank’s side or Newcastle United. Italian journalist Rudy Galetti took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to cover a short report on the Portuguese defender.

According to him, Tottenham and Eddie Howe’s side appreciate the 21-year-old. The two English clubs will keep a close watch on him in the coming months.

Recent claims had also mentioned AFC Bournemouth and Brentford interest. Galetti claims Crystal Palace and Everton recently made contact over a possible move.

Gabriel’s agents may be at work, with more clubs being added on a weekly basis. Tottenham and Newcastle United are now dragged into the mix, and the hype has moved up a notch.

That said, interest would make sense considering the current situations with centre-backs at the two clubs.

Tottenham and Newcastle United may find Tiago Gabriel useful

Newcastle’s Fabian Schär, Dan Burn and Jamaal Lascelles are currently out due to injuries. This leaves Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw as the only fit centre-backs.

Meanwhile, AS Roma are keen on signing Tottenham’s Radu Drăgușin in this window. His agent has been waiting for Spurs’ final approval, however, that hasn’t arrived yet.

Tiago Gabriel arrived at Lecce late in the January 2025. He cost the Serie A club around €1m and was something of a gamble.

That gamble has quickly paid off, and would have presented a huge profit even at West Ham’s offer level. The defender arrived from Estrela Amadora, having joined them after spending multiple years in the famed Sporting CP youth system.

He’s represented by CAA Base, who have multiple high-profile clients at Tottenham, subsequently Spurs may have an advantage.

Tottenham Hotspur have been working on a move for Santos’ Souza in this winter market.

Thomas Frank’s side need additions in the winter market, as well as numbers in the squad. Tottenham have had a torrid time with injuries this season.

Richarlison was the latest to be lost, having to go in the first half against Aston Villa. At the weekend, it was also confirmed in Uruguay that Rodrigo Bentancur has torn his hamstring and could be out for around three months if surgery is the decision.

Therefore, to lift the mood at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a few arrivals in the coming weeks would surely be welcome by Spurs fans.

Tottenham rush to complete transfer

The Premier League side made advances to close the Souza operation towards the end of last week. The 19-year-old wasn’t in the Santis squad for the 2-1 win over Novorizontino on Saturday. His camp has asked he not be considered so that any injury drama was avoided.

After the match, Santos manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda said Souza’s move to Tottenham is on track.

On Sunday, journalist Venê Casagrande reported the Brazilian club had made a last-ditch effort to keep him by offering an improved contract. He snubbed it in favour of the move to Tottenham.

AS journalist Eduardo Burgos has taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to cover the latest.

He claims Thomas Frank’s side have reached a ‘full agreement’ with Santos, after the two clubs finalised the operation for €15m plus bonuses on Sunday.

Souza is flying to England

The Europa League winners initially offered €10m, which was rejected by the Brazilian club. They returned with an improved bid of €15m and this convinced Santos.

With an agreement in place between Tottenham and Santos, the journalist claims Souza will travel to England on Monday. He’ll carry out medical examinations and other transfer formalities to complete his move to Spurs.

According to Burgos, the Brazilian youngster will sign a contract until 2031 with Spurs.

With Souza’s move to Tottenham already agreed, attention in Brazil has shifted to the final days of the left-back at Santos.

Reports now focus on how the exit unfolded behind the scenes, including farewells, failed renewal talks and the lasting impression of his departure.

Journalist Venê Casagrande reports that Santos made a last attempt to keep the 19-year-old by offering a significant salary increase. The proposal aimed to change the player’s mind.

Souza’s representatives rejected it, however, as they believe joining Tottenham is the best choice at this stage of his career. According to Casagrande, the final deal should reach €16m.

Despite the refusal, the report stresses that Souza and his agents hold strong respect for Santos. The deciding factor was the sporting project presented by Thomas Frank’s Tottenham, which ultimately outweighed the financial effort made by the Brazilian club.

Farewells and a Tottenham deal already sealed

Further details came from local outlet Diário do Peixe. The outlet reports that Souza has already said goodbye to staff members at the training centre. He is also expected to return to the club’s stadium this weekend to say farewell teammates before travelling.

Santos have agreed to sell the left-back for €15m. The club owned 75% of the player’s economic rights, while the remaining share belongs to Souza himself. The report adds that the player did not give up any of the amounts due to him under the agreement.

With the deal effectively sealed, Santos also presented a contract renewal. Souza’s camp interpreted the move as an attempt to shape the public narrative around his exit to Tottenham.

Final chapter after a rapid rise

Souza leaves Santos after cementing himself as a first-choice left-back. The report says his performances drew interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, as well as clubs from other European leagues in previous windows.

Tottenham’s approach, however, proved decisive. The final days in Brazil underline a departure shaped by timing, planning and a clear sense that the next step was already defined.

Tottenham Hotspur suffered another defeat at home on Saturday. Thomas Frank’s side exited the FA Cup at the hands of Aston Villa, losing 2-1.

Wilson Odobert managed to pull one back for Spurs and whilst that got the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium more in gear, it didn’t produce enough to push Frank’s side to an equaliser.

Richarlison, who again been subject to transfer rumours recently, left the pitch with a hamstring injury in the first half. The mood around Spurs hasn’t improved and the injuries continue to pile up at the Premier League club.

If ever there was a need for a boost, and some optimism for the future then it’s now.

Tottenham will hope that comes in the form of expected arrival João Victor de Souza Menezes. Almost always referred to as simply Souza, the 19-year-old is on the verge of joining from Santos.

Spurs initially offered €10m for the fullback, which was rejected by Santos. They then returned with €15m, enough to convince the Brazilian club to part ways.

Santos played their season opener on Saturday against Novorizontino. The youngster’s camp had requested he not be considered for the match so as to avoid any last minute issues ahead of his move to Tottenham.

Manager speaks about Tottenham transfer

Without Souza, Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s side won 2-1 and after the match the manager was asked about the transfer to Spurs.

Quoted by Brazil’s UOL, he said: “I don’t know if it’s completely settled. There are several factors. Souza has grown a lot in recent months. He’s experienced some tough moments and responded well. There’s a context, family, club, the player’s future.

“We have to respect that, listen to all sides and see what’s best. What’s best for Santos, and without forgetting that he’s a player who was born here. I don’t know if it’s finalised, but it’s on track for him to become another Santos player in the world of football.”

Many in Brazil believe Souza is ready to play at a good level in Europe and he could therefore be an option for Thomas Frank in the second half of the season.

Tottenham are 14th in the Premier League and out of both domestic cups. Things are better in the Champions League, and it’s that and qualifying for Europe which will now be priorities.