Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of Sevilla captain Federico Fazio for a fee of £10million after meeting the defender's release clause. The Argentina international, 27, has put pen to paper on a four-year contract at White Hart Lane, ending Mauricio Pochettino's interest in compatriot Mateo Musacchio of Villarreal.
Sevilla's sporting director Monchi said recently that although they tried to offer him a new contract, his departure was always on the cards once Spurs' interest intensified. "Two months ago we talked about his renewal, but it was not possible. When an English team appears interested in one of our players it is difficult because they can multiply player salaries," he said. "We tried to renew him since last season but the distances were huge even if we were hoping to make a new deal." However, he has also suggested that a replacement is already lined up.
At 6'5" tall and with 148 La Liga appearances under his belt, Fazio will be an important acquisition in Pochettino's bid to shore up a defence which conceded the most goals in the top eight of the Premier League last season. Spurs' strong start to the season - especially the good form of Eric Dier following his move from Sporting Lisbon - means that Fazio will not necessarily find it easy to break into the first team, but he adds a wealth of experience and a strong voice at the back.
As a key member of the Sevilla side which won the Europa League last year, Fazio could be important in that respect as Pochettino looks to take Europe's secondary tournament more seriously with a Champions League place up for grabs. Despite talking of his contempt for the competition in the past and its potential to "kill" teams, Pochettino has recently said, "If you won it last year you got nothing. Just a trophy. But now the Europa League gives you the opportunity to play in the Champions League.”