Tottenham Hotspur have recorded the second most expensive transfer in their history by signing Belgian footballer Yannick Carrasco from Atletico Madrid, having paid his release clause of 60 million Euros. Carrasco’s new agent Pini Zahavi played a key role in pushing the transfer through, with Newcastle United the other club willing to pay the release clause. However, Carrasco opted for Tottenham whose hopes of sealing a spot in the Champions League, enjoys a massive boost considering the Belgian’s addition as demanded by manager Antonio Conte.

This transfer is set to be officially announced in the coming hours, as confirmed by journalist Soumyanil Das. Das was the first to report that Carrasco is open to a move away from Atletico, which seemed supremely unlikely considering his importance in Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone’s setup. Tottenham have recently allowed record signing Tanguy Ndombele, to join his former club Olympique Lyonnais on a loan deal with an option to buy, with the deal expected to be officially announced soon as confirmed by The Athletic.

Carrasco’s addition marks the third player joining Tottenham in the ongoing winter transfer window, with the English club set to sign attacker Dejan Kulusevski and midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus. Conte had indicated his displeasure following the side’s most recent defeat against Chelsea by a 0-2 margin, which marked the Italian’s first loss in 10 Premier League games.

“For sure, I’m very disappointed for a first defeat in the Premier League. On one side, we have to be disappointed for the defeat but we have to know that the players have given everything,” said the former Juventus and Chelsea manager, indicating the need for further reinforcements.

“Carrasco is a very complete player”

It will be definitely interesting to see how Simeone copes with Carrasco’s departure, having termed the Belgian as a player with whom he “works every day” clearly showcasing the bond shared. ​​“Carrasco is a very complete player with a bright future ahead of him. He is on the path to getting even better. We work with him day to day,” said the Atletico Madrid manager as quoted by 90 min.

Tottenham have definitely made some strong signings. A lot of focus will now rest on how Arsenal react considering the strong rivalry shared. Arsenal are expected to sign striker Alexander Isak who is considered the next Zlatan Ibrahimović, as a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who is joining Barcelona on loan.