Tottenham sign Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur

Tottenham have signed Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur for €19 million, plus €6 million in possible add-ons.

The Athletic reported on Sunday that Tottenham were in ongoing discussions to bring in the 24-year-old, who has signed a deal until summer 2026.

Antonio Conte has publicly demanded the support of club chairman Daniel Levy during the transfer window so Bentancur's arrival to bolster Tottenham's midfield is a huge win for the head coach.

Aston Villa had attempted to make a move for Bentancur and Lyon were also in talks with Juventus over a transfer — with their midfielder Bruno Guimaraes leaving for Newcastle United — but neither deal came to fruition.

Tottenham managing director of football Fabio Paratici is familiar with the Juventus squad, having been a figurehead in their recruitment between 2010-2021 — meaning he oversaw the deals to bring in Kulusevski from Atalanta in 2020 and Bentancur from Boca Juniors in 2017.

Juventus have already made the blockbuster signing of Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina this month, acquiring the services of the striker for €75 million.

Tottenham have so far endured a tricky January, with moves for Adama Traore, Luis Diaz and Ollie Tanner failing to materialise.

(Photo: Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)

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What will Bentancur add to Tottenham?

Tottenham have been unable to find a settled midfield this season, and Bentancur is one more potential puzzle piece. Whether he fits is the question.

Bentancur is a high-quality performer who has anchored Uruguay’s midfield at international level. Juventus are happy to let him go due to the numerous options they possess in central areas, which include Manuel Locatelli, Weston McKennie, Adrien Rabiot, and Arthur Melo.

A reliable and durable option, he has the ability to protect the back four effectively due to the hard yards he puts in. However, he has occasionally had grief from their supporters, who complain that he can’t dictate the tempo as well as others have for the club over the years.

He has been criticised for not being the answer to issues with Juventus’ build-up play, which still misses a player in the mould of Andrea Pirlo or Miralem Pjanic.

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