Tottenham Hotspur have announced the permanent signing of Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus.
The Sweden international enjoyed a productive 18-month loan spell with the North London giants after arriving on a temporary basis in January 2022.
Kulusevski scored five goals and provided eight assists in 18 Premier League games during his first half-season, helping Antonio Conte's side book their place in the Champions League.
During his first full campaign in the English capital, Kulusevski failed to hit the same heights with just two goals from 30 Premier League games, albeit while also providing seven assists.
The Sweden international posted a total of seven goals and 16 assists from 57 games while still on loan from Juventus, where he was due to return for pre-season.
However, with Spurs failing to qualify for the Champions League, their obligation to make Kulusevski's stay permanent was voided, although they still possessed the option to buy the 23-year-old.
Välkommen back to N17, Deki! 💫 pic.twitter.com/wnbWV5ezgj
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 17, 2023
Given his immediate impact in North London, Tottenham moved quickly to agree a permanent fee with Juventus, and the Lilywhites have now confirmed the permanent capture of Kulusevski.
The former Atalanta BC youngster has penned a five-year deal with the Lilywhites until the end of the 2027-28 season and becomes Ange Postecoglou's first signing as head coach.
Tottenham's buy option for Kulusevski was reportedly set at €35m (£29.9m), but the Lilywhites were able to drive the price down to €30m (£25.7m), as the attacker only had one year left on his Bianconeri deal.
Kulusevski departs Juventus having registered nine goals and 10 assists from 74 games for the Old Lady in all competitions, winning the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana in the process.
Having now tied Kulusevski down to a long-term contract, Tottenham could turn their attention to defensive acquisitions amid reports that Postecoglou is keen to beef up his centre-back ranks.
A new number one goalkeeper could also be on the agenda if Hugo Lloris exits in the coming weeks, while Harry Kane's contract is due to expire in 2024, but Daniel Levy is apparently still insisting that the England captain is not for sale.
Ben Knapton
