Insider: Kulusevski wants to quit Tottenham and join new club after ‘huge’ reveal

The winds of change may be blowing through North London this summer as Dejan Kulusevski reportedly considers cutting short his Tottenham Hotspur adventure.

According to well-placed sources, the Swedish international has grown increasingly disillusioned with Spurs’ dramatic fall from grace this season and could seek a return to familiar Serie A surroundings. Mick Brown, the former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers chief scout who maintains extensive contacts across European football, reveals AC Milan and Napoli have both registered concrete interest in the 24-year-old attacker.

Kulusevski’s potential availability comes at a fascinating juncture in his career. Despite Tottenham’s collective struggles – they currently languish in 14th place, a staggering eleven points adrift of European qualification – the Juventus export has emerged as one of few bright spots in a dismal campaign.

His double-digit returns for both goals (10) and assists (10) across all competitions demonstrate a level of consistency sorely lacking among his teammates. Such productivity makes Tottenham’s reluctance to entertain offers understandable, though Brown suggests the player’s ambition might force their hand.

“When you see how he performs against how the team performs, there’s clearly a mismatch,” observes the veteran scout. “Top players want Champions League football – that’s just reality.”

The financial dynamics of any potential deal promise to be complex. Tottenham initially acquired Kulusevski on an 18-month loan before making the move permanent for around £25 million in 2023 – a bargain in today’s inflated market.

With three years remaining on his contract and no pressing need to sell, Daniel Levy would undoubtedly demand a premium fee, potentially upwards of £50 million. This valuation reflects both Kulusevski’s importance to Ange Postecoglou’s rebuild and the scarcity of readymade replacements who could match his creative output.

A return to Italy’s top flight holds obvious appeal for the versatile forward. During his previous stint with Juventus, Kulusevski developed into one of Serie A’s most exciting young talents before falling victim to the Bianconeri’s tactical reshuffles.

Milan see him as an ideal candidate to bolster their right flank, providing competition for Christian Pulisic while offering Stefano Pioli a different attacking dimension. Napoli’s interest stems from their anticipated summer overhaul, with new manager Antonio Conte reportedly identifying Kulusevski as someone who could thrive in his demanding 3-5-2 system.

Brown emphasizes the psychological factors at play: “He knows the league, the language, the expectations. When players struggle in England, returning to a comfortable environment often reignites their careers.”

Recent history supports this assessment – just look at Romelu Lukaku’s resurgence at Inter Milan after his Chelsea nightmare. For Kulusevski, the prospect of regular Champions League football versus another season of mid-table obscurity in North London may prove irresistible.

Tottenham’s recruitment team appears to be preparing for all eventualities. Football Insider can reveal the club has identified Chelsea’s Noni Madueke as a potential replacement should Kulusevski depart.

The 22-year-old Londoner, who left Spurs’ academy for PSV in 2018 before returning to England with Chelsea, has struggled to convince Enzo Maresca of his worth in the Italian’s system. While raw, his explosive dribbling and eye for goal mirror many of Kulusevski’s attributes.

More ambitiously, Tottenham maintain longstanding interest in Crystal Palace schemer Eberechi Eze. The England international’s ability to operate across the front line or as a number ten would provide Postecoglou with greater tactical flexibility, though prising him from Selhurst Park would likely require breaking the club’s transfer record.

Palace’s reluctance to sell their prized asset means any deal would almost certainly exceed £60 million – a steep price for a player yet to consistently deliver at the highest level.

The coming months will test Tottenham’s resolve on multiple fronts. Retaining Kulusevski against his wishes risks fostering dressing room discontent, yet selling him would deprive Postecoglou of his most reliable attacker.

Much depends on whether the Australian can convince the Swede that his project represents the quickest route back to elite football. With the club’s new signings struggling to adapt and Harry Kane’s goals never adequately replaced, losing another key contributor could set back the rebuild by another twelve months.

For Kulusevski, the decision boils down to patience versus ambition. At 24, he enters what should be his prime years – does he gamble on Tottenham’s ability to bridge the gap to the top four, or seize the chance to return to a league where he previously flourished?

One thing’s certain: his performances between now and May will be scrutinized like never before, by both potential suitors and Spurs fans desperate for signs their talisman might yet stay. In a season of few positives, Kulusevski’s future has quietly become the most compelling subplot at Tottenham Hotspur.