The roller coaster, this is how to define the career of Giovani Lo Celso (27 years old) since his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in 2018. Loaned for a first season to Real Betis Balompié, he convinced the Verdiblancos to buy him for 22 million ‘euros. Impressive performances that the Andalusian club could not continue to appreciate. During the same summer, it was Tottenham who came forward with a loan with an obligation to purchase for a transaction amount of slightly less than 50 million euros. A movement which promises to be the end of the Argentinian’s rise to power.
Landing in London in the summer of 2019, he spent a decent first season there without being essential. The 2020/2021 season is more delicate where he increasingly comes out of José Mourinho’s plans. Then after six months under the orders of Antonio Conte during the 2021/2022 season, he left for Villarreal in the winter of 2021. A profitable choice since he relaunched under the orders of his former coach at PSG Unai Emery and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. The 2021 Copa América winner with Albiceleste will be loaned out to Villarreal again.
In the closet at Tottenham
A slightly less good exercise, but rather consistent with the Groguets where he managed to do well despite some physical glitches. While his contract with Tottenham still runs until June 2025, Giovani Lo Celso did not see luck smile on him this summer. Tracked by Real Betis Balompié, Naples, FC Barcelona or Villarreal, he found no way out and stayed at Tottenham. A club which is shining this year under the orders of Ange Postecoglou and which is at the top of the Premier League. But once again, Giovani Lo Celso is absent from the debates with Spurs.
The Argentine midfielder, who suffered a minor hamstring injury, remained on the bench four times without playing and only made 3 small appearances for a total playing time of 69 minutes. Trifles for a player of his class who aspires to much more. Above all, his coach’s positioning regarding him was rather doubtful. Keeping him at the end of the summer transfer window, he would not be closed on his departure between £15M (€17.27M) and £20M (€23M).
An interesting price, but which slows down certain teams in the same way as its emoluments. Estadio Deportivo explains that Real Betis Balompié remains attentive like last summer, but that the economic situation of the club does not facilitate a move. Just like the return to form of Isco and Nabil Fékir would block his place. For the moment there is no rush at the gate for the former Rosario Central player but this should evolve. The winter transfer window will open in two months and Giovani Lo Celso is already presenting himself as one of the players who should liven it up…
