Full Breakdown
Tottenham Hotspur to Loan Radu Dragusin to Fiorentina with Obligation to Buy
7/6/2026, 1:31:09 PM
Background
Radu Dragusin arrived at Tottenham Hotspur from Genoa in January 2024 on a long-term contract due to run until 2029 or 2031. He made 48 appearances in all competitions but only ten Premier League starts in the 2025-26 season, a tally limited by a serious ACL injury that kept him sidelined for most of 2025. During the same period manager Roberto De Zerbi reinforced the back line with Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and retained Micky van de Ven, leaving Dragusin down the pecking order and surplus to requirements.
Key Figures & Groups
- Radu Dragusin – Romanian centre-back.
- Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League club.
- ACF Fiorentina – Serie A side.
- Fabio Paratici – Fiorentina director of football, former Tottenham co-sporting director.
- Roberto De Zerbi – Tottenham head coach.
Transfer Terms and Financial Details
The season-long loan includes a purchase obligation of £21.4 million, £21.5 million or €20 million, triggered by a set number of appearances. Fiorentina will pay a €5.1 million salary for 2026-27, while Tottenham retains a 10 % sell-on clause. Contract length is reported as either 2029 or 2031, and the appearance threshold remains undisclosed.
Data & Statistics
Dragusin’s Tottenham record: 48 total appearances, 10 Premier League starts, 0 goals, 0 assists. Transfer clause: purchase price between £21.4 m and €20 m, €5.1 m salary for 2026-27, 10 % sell-on clause, contract until 2029 or 2031.
Official Statements & Responses
Tottenham confirmed the loan with Fiorentina, noting an appearance-based purchase trigger. Fiorentina welcomed Dragusin, highlighting his Serie A experience and physical attributes. Both clubs said the deal provides regular playing time and helps recoup part of the original investment.
Why It Matters / Impact
The loan allows Fiorentina to bolster a centre-back line that includes Luca Ranieri and Marin Pongracic, while Tottenham reduces wage costs and recovers a portion of the €25-30 m outlay on Dragusin, aligning with De Zerbi’s defensive restructuring.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts criticised Dragusin’s limited pace, poor ball retention and difficulty coping with a high defensive line, describing Tottenham’s back four under De Zerbi as “paper-thin.” He failed to register a goal or assist and his ACL injury further hampered his chances. His limited defensive range and occasional positioning lapses were cited as reasons for his exclusion from the starting XI.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Transfer fee: reported as £21.4 m, £21.5 m or €20 m.
- Contract length: cited as 2029 or 2031.
- Appearance trigger: exact number not disclosed.
- Salary: €5.1 m confirmed, but loan-fee details vary across reports.
What's Next
Dragusin will join Fiorentina for the 2026-27 season, competing with centre-backs Luca Ranieri, Marin Pongracic, Pietro Comuzzo and new signing Viery. If he meets the appearance clause, the loan converts to a permanent €20-£21 million transfer. Fiorentina’s coach expects Dragusin to start in at least half of the league fixtures to satisfy the clause. Tottenham will continue its defensive rebuild under De Zerbi, retaining senior centre-backs Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Micky van de Ven, with some likely to be loaned out.
