Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilón for a reported fee of £27.6 million.
They have beaten Manchester United to the Spanish international after the Red Devils failed to agree with the La Liga club’s insistence on a buy-back clause.
The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the club.
Spurs have accepted a buy-back clause of about £45m but the final figure will depend on the incentivised add-ons included in the deal.
Real have also demanded a clause that they get the opportunity to match any bid Tottenham accept for the player.
Gareth Bale’s return to North London has captured the headlines for the moment – but this signing has been very well received by Spurs fans.
HIS CAREER SO FAR
Born in Madrid, his natural talents were quickly snapped up by Real at eight years old.
He went through one of the most established academies set up in world football, which eventually led to two successful loans at UD Logroñés.
After that, he wriggled his way into Madrid’s plans in the 2018/2019 season, making 22 appearances for the club.
Due to the new arrival of Ferland Mendy, and the ever-present Marcelo, this resulted in a loan to Sevilla last season.
Blessing in disguise is an understatement. He made 38 appearances for Sevilla in an excellent season for them, where they eventually won the Europa League.
Ruguilion was very consistent throughout the campaign and was a standout performer in the big Europa League knockout games against Wolves, Man United and the final where they beat Inter Milan.
Sevilla also finished fourth in the La Liga, qualifying for the Champions League.
This impressive season saw him attract interest from all around the football world, but especially from the Premier League.
Chelsea were strongly liked with the defender but opted for Ben Chilwell to be the man to fill their void at left-back.
Reports even suggested that he was wanted elsewhere in Europe as Paris Saint-Germain reportedly viewed him as their Layvin Kurzawa replacement.
Man Utd were the next in line to try and lure the Spaniard to England but their refusal to agree with the clauses gave enough time for Daniel Levy to swoop in and bring him to North London.
STYLE OF PLAYER
Reguilón is a complete full-back, who is equally active in attack and defence. He likes to get forward, but he has enough in him to track back and do the dirty work.
For someone who hasn’t got masses of game experience on his CV, the 23-year-old always looks incredibly confident when carrying the ball and playing out of a press.
He was a vital part of Sevilla’s general impressive build-up play. His stats back this up – 10.18 progressive passes and an 81% pass accuracy both highlight how he can instigate the team’s transitions forward.
With a 5’10 build, he will not provide much of a physical edge, but he uses this to his advantage.
The natural low centre of gravity he possesses allows him to drive with the ball and bypass opposition defenders.
His impressive endurance also allows him to exploit space in behind, especially in the latter stages of the game.
STRAIGHT INTO THE FIRST TEAM?
Jose Mourinho has often spoken highly of Ben Davies, who was number one in the pecking order.
The 27-year-old is a reliable player, who rarely does anything particularly wrong, but lacks in quality in the final third.
Since Mourinho’s arrival, he has continued to deploy a system where, in possession, the Welshman sits in a back three while the right-back pushes up and gives the team an attacking outlet.
Given Reguilón’s talent in the final third, this could suggest a change of system in possession try and unlock teams given Spurs’ struggles against Everton at breaking a low block down.
Tottenham’s slashed budget, and Levy’s usual strict transfer policy, means he wouldn’t sanction the transfer if Mourinho did not want him to be his starting left-back.
Ryan Sessegnon’s and Dennis Cirkin’s chances at establishing themselves in this position have been harmed, with one of them rumoured to be sent out on loan to make sure their development is not harmed.
This is another player in Spurs’ window who will come in and immediately improve the starting eleven.