Tottenham’s Lorenzo Pellegrini links – separating fact from fiction as new transfer update emerges
Tottenham are ready to launch a “decisive assault” on Roma star Lorenzo Pellegrini.
That is according to Calciomercato, who state that Tottenham are following the 29-year-old attacking midfielder’s contract situation very carefully.
The report states that Roma’s former captain is at a “crossroads”, with his future “hanging in the balance” as his contract ticks down.
The Italy international is primed to run down his contract, which expires this summer, with the experienced player said to be considering leaving Serie A.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium outfit’s interest is reportedly driven by new interim boss Igor Tudor, with the former Lazio and Juventus boss understood to be an admirer of Pellegrini. But Roma want to retain him, too.
- Read more: Marcos Senesi lined up for summer exit as Tottenham take high ground on ‘privileged’ situation
How credible are these Tottenham links with Lorenzo Pellegrini?
Tudor has been in the Tottenham building for a matter of days following his appointment until the end of the season on Saturday.
The Croatian, who was sacked by Juventus last year, has replaced head coach Thomas Frank, who was dismissed after just eight months in charge following his move from Brentford.
It is only natural that teams are looking ahead to summer transfer deals, with sporting director Johan Lange likely to be leading the charge on that front.
While Pellegrini could become an enticing free agent if he runs down his Roma deal, he does not really fit Tottenham’s transfer strategy.
They have repeatedly looked to sign up-and-coming talent, plus, they have attacking midfielder James Maddison and versatile attacker Dejan Kulusevski as another option – albeit both are injured.
Regardless, it seems very unlikely that Tudor is already affecting Tottenham’s transfer plans, particularly as he has been tasked with keeping them in the Premier League this season.
Ergo, maybe these links should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Why Igor Tudor is a big gamble for relegation-threatened Tottenham
When Tudor was announced, a vast swathe of Tottenham fans were a bit underwhelmed.
When names such as recently resigned Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi and former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino were mooted, excitement grew.
But Tudor’s managerial CV has left many supporters worried. Indeed, he has had 12 jobs in just 11 years, with the 47-year-old being sacked on multiple occasions.
| Igor Tudor’s top five longest managerial stints | Win percentage |
| Hajduk Split: April 2013-February 2015; 78 games, 35 wins, 21 draws, 22 losses | 44.87 |
| PAOK: June 2015-March 2016; 45 games, 17 wins, 17 draws, 11 losses | 37.78 |
| Galatasaray: February 2017-December 2017; 34 games, 19 wins, four draws, 11 losses | 55.88 |
| Hellas Verona: September 2021-May 2022; 36 games, 14 wins, 11 draws, 11 losses | 38.89 |
| Marseille: July 2022-June 2023; 48 games, 27 wins, eight draws, 13 losses | 56.25 |
The former Udinese boss is known as something of a firefighter – which is just what Tottenham need as they are just five points above the relegation zone in 16th.
His first interview with Spurs allayed some fans’ fears about the ex-Marseille boss but their concerns may grow if they lose to rivals Arsenal in the North London Derby on Sunday.
If results go against them, Tottenham could be just two points above the bottom three.
For this and more, check out Football Insider for the latest updates and insight into what is going on at Tottenham.