Juventus have confirmed that Dejan Kulusevski has joined Rodrigo Bentancur at Tottenham.
Kulusevski joined Juventus two years ago and was seemingly destined for a prosperous career in Turin. However, the Swedish international failed to find his feet in Bianconeri colours despite a promising debut campaign under Andrea Pirlo.
Massimiliano Allegri struggled to find the optimal role for Kulusevski in his rather pragmatic set-up and the 21-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements despite Federico Chiesa missing the next seven months after undergoing knee surgery.
While it didn’t work out for him at Juventus, Kulusevski’s talent remains distinct and Tottenham director Fabio Paratici is a huge admirer of the player. The former Juve sporting director, who brought the then-teenager to Turin in January 2020, undoubtedly played a huge role in bringing the Swede to north London.
Tottenham confirm the arrival of Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus
The Swede has signed. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jCJgMZIXJ4
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 31, 2022
After signing Rodrigo Bentancur from the Bianconeri, Tottenham then swiftly announced the arrival of teammate Kulusevski on an initial 18-month loan.
Spurs will pay a €10m loan fee to Juve and they have an obligation to buy the player permanently for €35 should Antonio Conte’s side qualify for the Champions League or the player reach a certain number of appearances during his loan spell. This outright fee is payable over five years, Juventus confirmed.
A farewell statement from the Bianconeri opened: “Dejan Kulusevski and Juventus have parted ways after a season and a half together. A season and a half in which the Swedish winger collected his first two trophies at senior level: the Italian Super Cup and the Italian Cup. Dejan will wear the shirt of Tottenham Hotspur for the second half of the season.
After reviewing the highlights of his time in Turin, the Bianconeri then concluded: “He bids Juventus goodbye on the back of 74 appearances in all competitions, nine goals and 10 assists, all backed up with professionalism and perseverance. And we thank him today, wishing him good luck for his future.
“Thanks, Dejan!”