Tottenham could reportedly be left unable to buy Dejan Kulusevski after failing to qualify for Europe. Spurs’ 4-1 victory over Leeds on Sunday was not enough to seal a Europa Conference League spot as Aston Villa’s win over Brighton meant the Midlands outfit entered the competition instead.
Kulusevski has spent the last 18 months on loan at Spurs but could now depart. The North Londoners supposedly have an option to make the winger’s deal permanent this summer.
That could be prevented, though, by the absence of European football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs require a complete rebuild after a tumultuous campaign that ended in a disappointed eighth-placed finish.
Reports in Italy suggest that Spurs will need to pay £27.7million (€35m) to sign Kulusevski on a permanent deal. A failure to qualify for European competition will see the club miss out on a key revenue stream ahead of the 2023-24 season.
According to Italian publication Tuttosport, that leaves Kulusevski’s future uncertain. A smaller budget due to the decreased revenue stream could mean that Spurs pass up their option to sign the Sweden international to a permanent contract.
Kulusevski, whose move would’ve been made permanent by certain clauses being triggered including Champions League qualification, enjoyed an excellent first six months in the Premier League. He contributed five goals and eight assists in 18 top-flight appearances after joining Spurs in January 2022.
However, the 23-year-old suffered amid Spurs’ poor form this term. He scored just two goals and set up a further seven in 30 Premier League games, and has admitted that he does not know where his future lies. “I don’t know, honestly, we will see,” Kulusevski said on Sunday after Spurs’ win over Leeds.
“I am just focused on the pitch, I tried to do as good as I can and now of course it’s time to speak with the club.”
Meanwhile, it remains unclear who will be Spurs’ head coach next season. Arne Slot and Julian Nagelsmann have both turned down the job, with Slot preferring to stay at Feyenoord while Nagelsmann prepares for a bigger role to become available over the summer.
Luis Enrique supposedly remains in the race, while Graham Potter does not appear to have been ruled out. Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino – who was considered the fans’ favourite to replace Antonio Conte – appears set to take the Chelsea job.
There is also uncertainty over the future of striker Harry Kane. The England captain struck 30 Premier League goals throughout the campaign but his contract expires in 12 months’ time. Manchester United have been linked with a blockbuster summer transfer.
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