Fiorentina have reached an agreement to sign Romanian centre-back Radu Dragusin from Tottenham Hotspur. The 22-year-old will return to Serie A on a paid loan with an obligatory purchase clause, marking a swift end to his Premier League spell.
The financial structure of the deal involves a €1.5 million loan fee, with a mandatory purchase option set at €17.5 million. This clause would be triggered automatically at the end of the season, making the transfer permanent and representing a total expenditure of €19 million for the Viola. The arrangement suggests the Tuscan club view Dragusin as a long-term defensive solution rather than a temporary fix.
Serie A homecoming
The transfer represents a return to familiar surroundings for Dragusin, who developed his professional skills entirely within Italian football prior to joining Tottenham. He began his journey at Juventus, progressing through the club’s renowned academy and Next Gen setup before making his senior debut in the Champions League at 18 years of age in December 2020.
Despite breaking through at a young age, Dragusin managed only 232 minutes of first-team football for Juventus. Seeking regular playing time, he embarked on loan spells at Sampdoria, Salernitana and Genoa. It was at Genoa where he truly flourished, playing a pivotal role in their promotion from Serie B before delivering commanding performances in the top flight during late 2023 and early 2024.
North London struggles
His impressive form in Liguria attracted attention from several major European clubs. Tottenham secured his signature in 2024, fending off late interest from Bayern Munich. Fabio Paratici, then serving as Spurs’ transfer architect, was instrumental in negotiating the move from Genoa.
However, Dragusin’s time in English football proved difficult. A serious knee injury disrupted his progress shortly after arrival, severely limiting his playing time and preventing him from establishing any rhythm in the Premier League.
The move to Fiorentina reunites Dragusin with Paratici, who now oversees recruitment at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. The obligatory purchase clause indicates the club’s faith in the defender’s ability to recover his best form, offering him the stability of a permanent homecoming should he impress during the loan period.