Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Radu Dragusin has become the subject of transfer speculation, with reports suggesting he could leave the club next summer.
The 22-year-old Romanian joined Spurs in January 2024 in a record-breaking €25 million transfer from Genoa, making him the most expensive Romanian footballer to date.
Since then, Dragusin has been thrust into regular action due to injuries sidelining Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, Tottenham’s first-choice central defenders.
This season, Dragusin has made 19 appearances across all competitions, starting in 17 of them, and has provided crucial depth during a turbulent period for the team. However, concerns have been raised about whether he is a long-term fit in Ange Postecoglou’s system.
Bryan King on Radu Dragusin
Former Spurs scout Bryan King has weighed in on Dragusin’s future, expressing doubts about an imminent move.
The pundit believes that while a transfer might be on the horizon, it is unlikely to happen before the summer. With Romero and van de Ven still recovering, the Lilywhites cannot afford to lose Dragusin midseason.
Speaking to Tottenham News, King stated:
“They can’t cash in on him at the moment.
“They’ve got their two main defenders out. Therefore, I can’t see him leaving until the end of the season. However, this seems to be an agent who knows that the writing is on the wall. Life does seem to be easier in Italy than it is in the Premier League.
“He has only just joined the football club, whether it was a mistake to sign him, that is still under scrutiny. For me, when you lose those two main centre-backs, he is not your immediate answer. However, they’re going to have to stick with him until the end of the season.”
Dragusin’s time at Spurs has been a mix of highs and lows. Although he has shown glimpses of potential, the club’s aggressive playing style often leaves defenders vulnerable, making it difficult for any centre-back to shine consistently.
His debut season has featured both promising performances and challenges, including a red card during his Europa League debut against Qarabağ.
However, Tottenham’s defensive struggles cannot be pinned solely on Dragusin. The team’s injury crisis and tactical approach have played a significant role in exposing the backline, leaving the young defender with little margin for error.
As the season unfolds, Dragusin will have more opportunities to refine his game and prove his value within Postecoglou’s setup. Whether Tottenham decides to retain him as a key squad member or explores a transfer next summer may depend on how he adapts and performs during this critical period.
