Lionel Messi has made his stance clear on Spurs £33.5m swap deal Transfer in a twist that will leave Tottenham Fans Reeling
Aston Villa could soon bolster their squad with a player endorsed by none other than Lionel Messi, as Tottenham Hotspur’s Giovani Lo Celso appears poised to join the Midlands club.
Unai Emery’s side has been exceptionally proactive in the transfer market this summer. A significant deal worth £33.5 million, involving Lo Celso, might be the latest addition to their impressive recruitment drive. According to Argentinian broadcaster Directv Sports, Tottenham is set to send the Argentine midfielder along with £20 million in cash to Villa Park in exchange for the talented Jacob Ramsey.
This potential transfer is a savvy move for Villa, especially given their need to balance the books ahead of their debut season in the Champions League. The club is racing to comply with the Premier League’s stringent profit and sustainability regulations (PSR). To this end, Villa has already sold approximately £75 million worth of players this summer, including Douglas Luiz’s notable £43 million move to Juventus.
Beyond the financial benefits, acquiring Lo Celso adds considerable on-field value. The midfielder comes highly recommended by Messi himself, one of the greatest footballers of all time. Lo Celso was a key member of the Argentina squad that, alongside Messi, clinched the Copa America title for the second time. Messi, a nine-time Ballon d’Or winner, has even described Lo Celso as the best midfielder in the national team. This endorsement was highlighted in a 2023 report from AS, which revealed that Messi had suggested Lo Celso to Barcelona as recently as last year.
Lo Celso’s career has seen a mix of highs and lows. He spent 18 months on loan at Villarreal between 2022 and 2023, where he made a significant impact. Despite this, he was given a fresh start at Tottenham by new manager Ange Postecoglou and has since reintegrated into the team. However, his progress has often been interrupted by injuries and inconsistent form under various Spurs managers.
A significant setback came when Lo Celso was ruled out of the Argentina squad for the 2022 World Cup due to a hamstring injury. Nonetheless, the 57-cap international proved his worth once again by assisting Lautaro Martinez’s decisive goal in extra time to secure another Copa America victory against Colombia. This resilience and ability to perform under pressure have likely caught Villa’s attention.
Valued at £13.5 million by Transfermarkt, Lo Celso represents a strategic investment for Villa. The club is keen on the idea of a swap deal that would provide a substantial cash influx, which is crucial as they navigate their financial obligations. Lo Celso’s arrival could prove to be a masterstroke, adding depth and creativity to Villa’s midfield.
There was a time when Lo Celso was tipped as Messi’s heir and a potential successor at Barcelona. Despite these lofty expectations, injuries and managerial changes at Tottenham have sometimes stalled his progress. However, under the guidance of Unai Emery, who previously led him to the Champions League semi-finals during his loan spell at Villarreal, Lo Celso has a chance to rejuvenate his career. Emery’s appreciation for Lo Celso’s talents mirrors Messi’s, which could pave the way for Villa to secure yet another astute signing this summer.
Villa’s transfer strategy under Emery has been ambitious, reflecting their intent to compete at the highest levels both domestically and in Europe. The addition of a player of Lo Celso’s calibre, who has the endorsement of a football legend like Messi, would further underline their aspirations. As Villa continues to strengthen their squad, the potential arrival of Lo Celso could be a key component in their quest for success in the upcoming season.