Tottenham agree to ‘part ways’ with unsettled player as Unai Emery eyes Aston Villa reunion

Ange Postecoglou’s side are expected to allow several players to depart north London as the Australian head coach seeks to properly make his own mark on the Spurs squad.

Giovani Lo Celso, who has been heavily linked to Aston Villa in the past, is one of those likeliest to depart. The Argentine has had a rocky experience since signing for €32 million (£27 million) from Real Betis in 2020, starting well but since dropping off.

Able to play in a variety of midfield roles, Lo Celso has notched a respectable 10 goals eight assists in 108 games for Tottenham. Much more was expected, though, as he’s been a regular starter for Argentina for several years.

Even two years on loan at Villarreal didn’t quite work out as he failed to play more than 1,200 league minutes during either season. Last term back at Spurs was a failure too as he rarely played under Postecoglou, featuring only as a utility substitute.

Lo Celso’s Tottenham nightmare could soon end as Fabrizio Romano reports the club and player are “planning to part ways” during the upcoming window. The 28-year-old only has 12 months left on his contract, so this is the second-to-last opportunity for Spurs to recoup a transfer fee.

Emery could reunite with Lo Celso at Villa Park

Betis are said to be the main club interested but Villa, seeking to add midfield depth, are another in the picture. Unai Emery has worked twice with Lo Celso before, too, so there’s already an established relationship.

Emery was the manager to first bring Lo Celso to Europe, signing him for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 from Argentine outfit Rosario Central. The pair then reunited more recently at Villarreal, enjoying a Europa League win together despite Lo Celso’s reduced minutes.