Report: Postecoglou blocked Tottenham player’s exit despite limited game time

Sport have explained that Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur held several conversations about Giovani Lo Celso this summer but Ange Postecoglou vetoed the midfielder’s move to Camp Nou.

According to the source, Lo Celso was “one of Xavi’s requests” to the Barca leadership this summer since the 43-year-old thought the Tottenham player could have a significant impact in the last third of the field.

(Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Postecoglou blocked Giovani Lo Celso exit

Spurs allegedly told the La Liga giants earlier in the summer that they would only accept loaning the player out if the transaction contained an obligatory buy option, according to the explanation that Barca had’maintained communications’ with them regarding the 27-year-old.

Because Lo Celso was a valuable team member, Tottenham did not want to let him leave without offering him something in return.

Postecoglou reportedly told Spurs that he is “counting” on the Argentinean international and plans to use him “in rotation” this year.

Spurs would have probably sold the midfielder and signed a replacement if Barca or any other club had made a loan offer with the requirement to sign Lo Celso permanently for £20 million.

However, no such offer seems to be made, and the former Real Betis player appeared eager to remain and contend for a spot in the lineup.