Tottenham Hotspur have taken a firm stance in the January transfer window, rejecting an approach from Italian Serie A side AS Roma to sign defender Radu Dragusin on loan. The decision comes amidst ongoing speculation about the future of the 23-year-old centre-back, who has recently returned from a long-term injury.
Spurs Stand Firm Amid Italian Interest
The club's position was made clear over the weekend, with reports confirming the loan bid from Roma was turned down. This development follows public comments from the player's agent, Florin Manea, who had previously expressed a desire for his client to return to Italy. Manea told Rai Sport that he was "waiting for Tottenham to say yes to Roma" and famously stated, "Gladiators are happy in Rome."
However, Tottenham's hierarchy appears to have different plans. While the club is reportedly open to the Romanian international leaving, their preference is for a permanent transfer rather than a temporary loan deal. Sources indicate Spurs will only sanction a departure for what they deem an 'acceptable bid' for the player, who remains under contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until the summer of 2030.
Dragusin's Road to Recovery and Limited Role
Dragusin's situation is complicated by his recent fitness struggles. The defender suffered a serious knee injury almost exactly a year ago and has faced a lengthy rehabilitation process. His long-awaited return to action came on December 28, 2024, when he came off the bench for a brief five-minute appearance in a Premier League match against Crystal Palace.
Those five minutes represent his only competitive action so far this season. Manager Thomas Frank, speaking about the player's future in December, focused on the defender's recovery. "Right now, just so happy to see him come on the pitch having been out for nine or 10 months," Frank said. He emphasised that Dragusin needed more training and match fitness, dismissing transfer talk as "rumours."
January Squad Reshuffle Underway at Tottenham
The Dragusin story is part of a broader January reshuffle expected at Spurs. The club has already sanctioned the £35 million sale of winger Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace, indicating a willingness to move on first-team players to balance the books and make room for potential new signings.
Manager Thomas Frank is under pressure to improve results after a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa and an exit from the FA Cup last Saturday. The need for incoming reinforcements is clear, but outgoings are also a necessary part of the club's strategy this month.
Dragusin joined Tottenham in the summer of 2024 from Genoa for a fee of approximately £25 million, seeing off competition from European giants like Bayern Munich. Since his arrival, he has made 38 appearances for the North London club, but his path to regular football has been blocked by his injury and the form of other defenders in the squad.
The coming weeks will reveal whether AS Roma or another suitor meets Tottenham's valuation for a permanent transfer, or if Dragusin remains in London to fight for his place under Thomas Frank.
