Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin has reportedly made a decision over a possible exit from the North London giants in January amid his lack of game time.
The Romania international - a £20.8m purchase from Genoa midway through the 2023-24 season - has made just three starts in all competitions this season, only one of which has come in the Premier League.
One of the other two starts for Dragusin came in Spurs' Europa League opener with Qarabag, but a disastrous evening for the centre-back saw him sent off after just seven minutes for a last-man foul.
Since playing the full 90 against Newcastle United at the start of September, Dragusin has only played nine minutes in the top flight, being an unused substitute in Spurs' last two against Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United.
The 22-year-old signed a six-and-a-half-year agreement when he joined the Lilywhites in January, meaning that his current contract is not due to expire until 2030, but Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are the undisputed starters in central defence when fit.
Dragusin 'not planning' to leave Spurs in January
© Imago
Before Dragusin was confirmed as a Tottenham player, Bayern Munich and Napoli did their utmost to hijack the deal, and the latter are apparently one of several Italian sides hoping to bring him back to Serie A in January.
Nevertheless, The Mirror claims that the former Genoa man is currently not planning to seek an exit from North London midway through the season, regardless of whether he earns more minutes between now and January.
The report adds that Dragusin should be given more opportunities to impress in the Europa League and cup competitions over the winter months, and his commitment to Tottenham remains unwavering.
While he has often been forced to watch helplessly from the bench, Dragusin is apparently totally focused on being the best defender he can for Spurs and is giving no thought to the constant exit talk.
Could any other Spurs defenders leave in January?
© Imago
The Romania international has made 13 appearances for Spurs in total since leaving Genoa, and he scored for his country in a 3-0 UEFA Nations League victory over Cyprus in the October international break.
While Dragusin is set to snub interest from Bayern and former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte - now in charge of Napoli - Tottenham will likely try to force one other out-of-favour defender out of the door in January.
Exiled left-back Sergio Reguilon was unable to secure an exit from the club in the summer transfer window, but the Spaniard will surely try to find a new stomping ground over the winter after failing to force his way back into Ange Postecoglou's plans.
It will also be intriguing to see what happens with the long-serving Davies, who could leave on a free transfer in 2025, but the Welshman is expected to stay until the summer and see out his contract.
Ben Knapton
