Giovani Lo Celso celebrates his goal for Real Betis (Image: Getty)
Former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso has completed a dream return to Real Betis, scoring a superb double for the La Liga side. Joining from Betis for just £4million before the transfer deadline, the 28-year-old Argentinian has signed a three-year contract with an option to extend.
On Wednesday, he dazzled fans by scoring twice in the second half to seal a 2-0 win over Getafe, his first start for the club in more than five years. Meanwhile, Tottenham, still recovering from their north London derby defeat to Arsenal, managed to snatch victory against Coventry in the Carabao Cup.
After the match, Lo Celso could not hide his joy, telling reporters: “I am happy with the victory, it was important to take three points against a tough opponent.
“It's a big relief, we suffered a little more than necessary, but we added three points that allowed us to go up. That's the way forward.”
His move from Betis to Tottenham in 2018, initially on loan before a £27m permanent move, came with huge expectations, with some Spanish media outlets even touting Lo Celso as a potential successor to Lionel Messi at Barcelona following the football icon's unexpected departure in 2021.
Lo Celso had even been hailed by Messi himself as the best Argentine midfielder of the era. However, he ultimately failed to find a place in Ange Postecoglou's plans at Spurs, although he insisted he had enjoyed playing under the Australian for a period last season.
After taking on a bigger role in the late fall, Lo Celso said, “I was really grateful for his belief in me, so I worked hard and showed every day that I wanted to be here and play.
Ange Postecoglou lets Giovani Lo Celso leave Spurs (Image: Getty)
“I felt very comfortable in training and in his way of coaching. I like his conception of football which gave me the conviction that I could find my place in his team. The technical staff helped me as well as my teammates.
“It’s a personal challenge for my career, but the coach’s plan and philosophy help me improve my game because he asks me and wants me to do specific things in my role. Things are going very well. He has made me feel confident and comfortable since he arrived.”
Despite the praise, Lo Celso has only made 24 appearances in 2023/24, with many coming as a substitute. This lack of sustained involvement and clarity over his future appears to have contributed to his departure.
Despite fluctuating fortunes at club level, Lo Celso played a key role in the Argentina national team for seven years, racking up 59 appearances and contributing significantly to their back-to-back Copa America victories in 2021 and 2024. He missed his country's World Cup triumph in Qatar through injury.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1950927/giovani-lo-celso-messi-tottenham-inter-miami