Spurs improve ‘mini Van Dijk’ bid to counter HIJACK attempt after completing Werner deal

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 10 Jan 2024 08:16 GMT
• 3 min read

Tottenham completed a loan deal to sign Timo Werner from RB Leipzig on Tuesday, but Ange Postecoglou’s side face the very real prospect of missing out on their second signing of the January transfer window.

FootballTransfers exclusively reported that Spurs were interested in Genoa defender Radu Dragusin in early December, and they are now close to securing a deal for the 21-year-old Romania international star.

Bayern Munich have lingered in the background of the Dragusin transfer race throughout this time but now appear determined to deny Tottenham their player, despite having already agreed terms with Eric Dier from the Premier League club this month in a bid to boost their central defensive numbers.

Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to report: “FC Bayern have sent important salary bid to Radu Dragusin tonight [Tuesday] — also club’s project has been presented to the Romanian centre back.

“Bayern directors pushing as they want to hijack the deal.

“Dragusin will make final decision today [Wednesday] as Spurs bid remain valid on the table.”

Romano previously reported that Bayern’s offer to Genoa for the centre-back is slightly higher than Tottenham’s, potentially giving the Bundesliga side the edge in terms of pushing for a deal.

In response, Tottenham have improved their bid. Romano reports: "Radu Dragusin saga, still on as Tottenham have improved their proposal overnight!

"Spurs always been confident, expecting Dragusin to respect their agreement — now hoping for him to fly to London."

The next Van Dijk?

Dragusin has an Estimated Transfer Value of €13.1 million and reports in Italy indicate that FCB are winning to put €18m down immediately on the defender with €2m to potentially follow in bonus payments.

Given Genoa paid Juventus just €5.5m for the player, that would represent a healthy profit for the Serie A outfit.

Spurs have already agreed personal terms with Dragusin, but with Bayern apparently serious on pushing for a player favourably likened to Virgil van Dijk – albeit a raw version of the Liverpool captain – there is a very real danger that the Premier League outfit miss out on a potentially excellent defender.