Tottenham change Dejan Kulusevski plan following Champions League qualification

Tottenham Hotspur have changed their plans for January addition Dejan Kulusevski following their qualification for the Champions League this season.

The Swede has played a key role for Antonio Conte since joining on deadline day in the winter window, racking up 5 goals and 8 assists in 18 outings for the lilywhites and pushing them into what initially appeared an unlikely fourth spot.

And, it was expected that Spurs would make the transfer permanent this summer, taking up the £25m option written into his loan deal.

Tottenham to make Dejan Kulusevski transfer permanent this summer after stellar loan form

✍️ @Dan_KP https://t.co/XNxlR9G9kh

— Standard Sport (@standardsport) April 20, 2022

However, that has now changed, with Daniel Levy and Fabio Paritici now planning on not activating that clause this summer. Instead, they will allow Kulusevski to see out the second season of his loan spell before activating the option to buy.

It will come at a cost, with the 25m euro option to buy this summer becoming 35m euros next summer, provided that the Swede plays at least 45 minutes in 20 Premier League games and Tottenham once again qualify for the Champions League.

Kulusevski will be Tottenham player on a permanent deal in the future, for sure… but he’s staying on loan next season 🇸🇪 #THFC

▫️ If he plays 20 games [45 mins] in PL and Spurs will qualify to UCL ↪️ obligation to buy for €35m.

▫️ If not, Spurs will have a buy option clause. pic.twitter.com/JnY2PrKRF2

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 24, 2022

Why have Tottenham done this?

The decision could prove to be a masterstroke for Tottenham, as it will allow them to spend more this summer. Antonio Conte has repeatedly demanded backing this summer, and the lily-whites are already shelling out £40m on Cristian Romero to make his loan permanent.

In financial fair play terms, the steeper price next summer for Kulusevski will be offset by the ability to spend more this summer, a sum which will be further bolstered by Champions League qualification.

As a result, they have more ability to strengthen the squad in the ways that Conte would want the club to, and a better chance of securing silverware next season. 10m seems a small price to pay for that chance.