[인터풋볼] Reporter Park Ji-won = Dejan Kulusevsky is regarded as the ‘best signing’ of Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham’s exclusive reporter, Alessie Gold, said that Juventus had to let him go: “It’s strange, but it’s a win for Tottenham.”
Kulusevsky joined Tottenham from Juventus in January. His 18-month lease is a condition of paying rent of 3 million euros (regarding 4 billion won) for the 2021-22 season and 7 million euros (regarding 9.4 billion won) for the 2022-23 season.
The contract included a mandatory transfer clause. At the end of the 2022-23 season, it is automatically triggered when Tottenham succeeds in advancing to the UEFA Champions League (UCL). The transfer fee is 35 million euros (regarding 47 billion won), which feels really cheap compared to the current transfer market price and activity. Tottenham Hotspur’s success in advancing to the UCL this season will be a win-win.
Kulusevsky stood out as a right winger during his time at Parma, scoring 10 goals and providing 8 assists. However, when he returned to Juventus, he struggled with his frequent position changes. He was difficult to classify as a professional winger, so he was not well-received externally when he was signed to Tottenham.
However, Kulusevsky flew with Heung-Min Son and Harry Kane. He gave the team a UCL ticket with 5 goals and 8 assists in the English Premier League (EPL) in the second half of last season. He had a successful pre-season this summer, and scored one goal and one assist in the EPL opening game of the 2022-23 season. His organic movement stood out, and it was confirmed that his play became a little more seasoned. Kane and Son Heung-min still showed off their chemistry.
In this situation, a question mark is attached to the question ‘why did Juventus send out Kulusevsky?’ Gold reporter of ‘Football London’ had a Q&A time with Tottenham fans on the 11th (Korean time). One fan commented: “Kulusshevski was really good at Tottenham. Why the hell did Juventus let him go so cheap?” he asked.
Reporter Gold then said, “I also felt strange. At Juventus, Kulusevsky’s playing time only diminished. In addition, Juventus did not trust him like general manager Fabio Paric and Antonio Conte did.”
“What is clear is that it is an advantage for Tottenham. I think Kulusevsky will develop and become a world-class player soon. He is already great,” he added.
