The global football market is often full of sudden twists, but the latest news involving Tottenham Hotspur and the City Football Group has caught almost everyone off guard.
In what is being described as a complete surprise, the massive organization behind Manchester City has reached an agreement in principle to purchase Alejo Véliz from the North London club. This move marks a significant shift for the young Argentine striker, who has had a somewhat turbulent journey since he first arrived in European football.
According to reputable reports coming out of South America, the City Football Group is moving aggressively to bring Véliz into their stable of clubs. Specifically, it is the Brazilian side Bahia a club owned and operated by the same group that runs Manchester City that is leading the charge.
While other Brazilian giants like Flamengo had previously shown interest in the player, Bahia has reportedly stepped up with a formal offer that is described as being quite high.
This financial muscle appears to have been enough to convince the decision-makers at Tottenham to move forward with a permanent transfer during the current winter window.
To understand how we reached this point, it is helpful to look at Véliz’s path over the last couple of years. Tottenham originally signed the promising attacker from Rosario Central back in August 2022.
At the time, he was seen as a raw but highly talented prospect who could eventually lead the line for Spurs. However, the transition to the intensity of the Premier League proved difficult for the young forward.
In an effort to get him more playing time and help him adapt to European styles, Tottenham sent him on various loan spells to Spanish clubs, including Sevilla and Espanyol. Unfortunately, those stints in Spain were largely underwhelming, as he struggled to find the consistent minutes or the goal-scoring rhythm he needed to prove himself at the highest level.
Realizing that he needed a familiar environment to rebuild his confidence, Véliz returned to his former club, Rosario Central, in July of last year. This return to his roots proved to be a masterstroke for his development.
During his most recent spell in Argentina, he managed to find the back of the net five times and provided an assist in just sixteen appearances. This resurgence in form did not go unnoticed by scouts.
While he was rediscovering his scoring touch, the City Football Group was quietly monitoring his progress, eventually deciding that he fit the profile of a player they wanted to integrate into their global network of clubs.
The mechanics of this deal are slightly complicated because Véliz is currently supposed to be on loan in Argentina. For the transfer to Bahia to go through, Tottenham must first exercise their right to recall the player from Rosario Central.
Journalists covering the story suggest that this process is already in motion and should be finalized in the very near future. In fact, many believe that the coming days are absolutely critical. Recent training sessions at Rosario Central have been watched closely for any signs of his departure.
While he was seen practicing with his teammates earlier this week, his absence from upcoming friendly matches would be a clear signal that he is packing his bags for Brazil.
For the fans and staff at Rosario Central, the news has come as a shock. They had hoped to keep their star striker for a longer period to help them compete in their domestic league. Losing a player of his quality mid-season is a tough pill to swallow, especially when the move seems to have materialized so quickly.
However, the pull of the City Football Group is difficult to resist. Joining a network that includes Manchester City offers a player a unique pathway and resources that few other organizations in the world can match.
Even though he will initially be playing for Bahia in Brazil, the connection to the Manchester City hierarchy means that his performances will be under the direct watch of some of the best technical directors in the sport.
As for Tottenham, the decision to sell suggests that the club, currently led by Thomas Frank, is ready to move in a different direction. By sanctioning a permanent move rather than another loan, they are recouping a significant fee and allowing the player to find a permanent home where he can be the main focus of the project.
It is a deal that seems to satisfy all the major stakeholders: Spurs get a high transfer fee, the City Football Group adds a talented young asset to their portfolio, and Véliz gets a fresh start at a club where he is clearly highly valued.
