Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Leeds United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
News
TBR View: Wednesday masterclass must see Tottenham activate £27m clause
Had there been any doubts over whether Giovani Lo Celso was good enough to become a permanent signing for Tottenham Hotspur before Wednesday night, they were quickly extinguished following the full-time whistle as Spurs beat Norwich.
Dele Alli and Son Heung-min cancelled out Teemu Pukki’s equaliser for Norwich to win 2-1 – Spurs’ first Premier League win since Boxing Day. The victory alleviated some pressure on Jose Mourinho’s shoulders, but the lack of a striker was evident.
But Lo Celso scooped the man-of-the-match award as he was involved in both Tottenham goals – sliding a beautiful pass into Alli for the second goal, as the England midfielder’s shot was deflected into the path of Son to head home.
Argentina international Lo Celso has clocked up 19 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham since joining the north London club on a loan-to-buy deal from Real Betis. His position has been up for debate, but Jose Mourinho has found his role.
Indeed, he has been used out wide, in the 10 role and in deep-lying central midfield and it is the latter that has brought the best out of the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star. If there were any doubts, his stunning display will have made it clear for Daniel Levy.
Tottenham and Levy have the option to make his loan spell permanent this month, or in the summer. If they choose to land him on a permanent basis in the next few days, it would cost £27million – in the summer, it would be £34million.
A couple of months ago, Lo Celso had done little to show why Spurs should spend a considerable amount of money to sign him permanently – but under Mourinho, he has relished the chance. Levy should be in no doubt that he needs to be signed.
If Spurs are clever, then the course of action is an obvious one. Spurs need to splash £27million now, get Lo Celso permanently and save themselves £7million – instead of spending more in the summer on Lo Celso, or more on another player.
