"He's capable of achieving things others didn't, because he's very strong morally," said Romanian football expert Emanuel Rosu, who has followed Dragusin's career since he was a teenager and points to the 21-year-old's self-belief.
"He went to Sampdoria [on loan] from Juventus, he went to Salernitana [on another loan]. He didn't have impressive stints there, but he always believed in his qualities. He took another step back, went to Serie B with Genoa and a few thought, 'Okay, in a few years he will be in the Romanian league'. But look what happened: this transfer is a win for moral strength and for self-confidence over anything else." Dragusin will complete his move to Spurs in a deal worth up to €30million (£25.8m) today, with Djed Spence heading the other way on loan until the end of the season.
Although we are just 11 days into January, the transfer has felt like a saga, not least because Bayern Munich made a late attempt to hijack Spurs's deal, agreeing a fee with Genoa late on Tuesday and offering Dragusin a significantly higher salary, according to Florin Manea, the defender's agent.
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin January 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Evening Standard dergisinin January 11, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution
Money is worth less than time'
He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?
London's Roman Amphitheatre
Guildhall Yard, EC2V
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.
Do we have to die?
One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no
How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh
From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.
London's best festive restaurants
The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.
Rag'n'Bone Man
I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
