Daniel Levy blocked deadline day move to Monaco for Tottenham man

Tottenham Hotspur opted against selling one of their players to Monaco on transfer deadline day, but the possibility of his departure remains open for the next few days.

Sergio Reguilon’s decision to remain at the club last summer raised questions among fans, yet his retention during the January window appeared more justified due to squad depth concerns. With Destiny Udogie sidelined by injury, Ange Postecoglou has limited options at left-back, which has resulted in the Spaniard receiving more playing time in recent weeks.

Reguilon now enters the final six months of his contract, and despite his impending free agency, Tottenham reportedly rejected a late bid for him. Monaco made a move on deadline day, but their pursuit fell short as Spurs’ management blocked the transfer.

The French club was keen to secure his services, yet Daniel Levy and the club’s hierarchy opted to keep him for the remainder of the season. Although Monaco’s offer was unsuccessful, interest in the defender has not waned, with Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Besiktas now monitoring the situation.

The Turkish transfer window remains open until February 11, meaning Reguilon still has the option to leave before the season concludes. Reports suggest a move to one of Istanbul’s top clubs could be a highly appealing prospect for the left-back, given that both sides are competing at a high level domestically and in European competitions.

With his contract expiring in the summer, a short-term switch to Turkey could provide him with consistent game time before securing a long-term deal elsewhere.

Despite the growing interest, Tottenham remains hesitant to approve his departure. Daniel Levy is reportedly reluctant to sanction a move, as the club faces a potential depth issue in the full-back position.

Postecoglou’s preference for attacking full-backs has made Udogie a key figure in his system, but with the Italian out injured, Spurs have opted to keep Reguilon as a backup rather than rushing into an emergency signing during the winter window.

Levy’s decision to keep Reguilon stems from the need to maintain squad balance rather than any long-term plans for the player. The left-back has not been a central figure in Postecoglou’s tactical setup, yet his experience provides an insurance policy in case of further injury setbacks within the squad.

As a result, the likelihood of Reguilon remaining at Tottenham until the end of his contract continues to grow, with an exit in the summer appearing the most probable outcome.

Given the unpredictable nature of football transfers, there is still an outside chance that a last-minute Turkish deal could materialize before the February 11 deadline.

Galatasaray and Besiktas have both been actively strengthening their squads, and securing an experienced left-back like Reguilon could provide them with an added advantage in their respective league and European campaigns.

However, Tottenham’s reluctance to part ways with the player suggests that unless an offer aligns perfectly with the club’s interests, he will remain in North London until his contract expires.

Sergio Reguilon’s 2023-24 Season Stats

While Reguilon’s numbers may not stand out, his presence has offered valuable depth in Tottenham’s defense. His ability to contribute offensively with assists and his familiarity with the club’s system make him a useful squad player, even if he is not a guaranteed starter.

Tottenham now faces a crucial period in the season, balancing domestic and European commitments while managing injuries within the squad. Postecoglou’s decision not to reinforce the left-back position in January reinforces why keeping Reguilon was a pragmatic choice.

With multiple competitions still in play, the experienced Spaniard remains a potential asset should he be called upon in the coming weeks. Whether he sees out his contract or departs for Turkey remains to be seen, but for now, he remains part of Spurs’ plans as they push for a strong finish to the season.