After weeks of negotiations and discussions, it appears that Tottenham will finally sign the central defender that they so desperately need currently. 

Ange Postecoglou’s side, as reported by Mail Sport, are closing in on the signing of Genoa centre-back Radu Dragusin in a deal worth up to £25million.

Given injuries to first-choice defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in recent months, Spurs have been keen to bolster their defensive reinforcements this month. 

They’ve wasted no time in bringing in Dragusin – who also attracted interest from Bayern Munich – and it’s clear to see why when analysing the defender’s career.

Here, Mail Sport takes a look at the promising Romanian defender, who has previously likened his style to Virgil van Dijk. 

Tottenham are close to signing central defender Radu Dragusin from Genoa for £25million

Tottenham are close to signing central defender Radu Dragusin from Genoa for £25million

Ange Postecoglou's side are in need of defensive reinforcements in the January window

Ange Postecoglou’s side are in need of defensive reinforcements in the January window

Born in Bucharest, Romania to two athletic parents, Radu Dragusin was always destined to become a top sports star. 

With his father being a former volleyball player and his mother opting for basketball, it was a surprise that Dragusin sought a career in football. 

However, that’s exactly what entailed and, at an early age, Dragusin joined local side Sportul Studentesc before moving on to Regal Sport Bucharest.

While there, the youngster reportedly drew interest from European giants Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and PSG before opting to sign a deal with Italian club Juventus. 

The Bianconeri acted quickly and forked over £250,000 for Romania’s Under-16 captain – with Dragusin’s agent confirming that that the player was ‘a star’ after watching his early matches.

‘My brother called me and told me there’s a good young player [in Romania] and I sent him to see with his own eyes,’ Florin Manea told TMW. ‘He confirmed that initial impression by telling me he is a star, so I quickly reported to Juventus.

‘After about an hour, Matteo Tognozzi, Juventus’ chief scout, called me to say that Radu impressed everyone.  

‘Other teams were interested too, but the Bianconeri really wanted him. He asked me, ‘Where can I become a great central defender?’ Chelsea wanted him too, but that’s why he chose Juventus.’

Dragusin made just four appearances for Juventus before leaving the Italian club in 2023

Dragusin made just four appearances for Juventus before leaving the Italian club in 2023

Since making a move to Genoa, Dragusin has become one of the Italian league's star prospects

Since making a move to Genoa, Dragusin has become one of the Italian league’s star prospects

Initially starting with the Under-17s, Dragusin quickly worked his way into Juventus’ first-team squad before making his debut during a Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv in 2020. 

While he had a promising beginning to life in Turin, he would go on to make just four appearances for the Old Lady before being shipped out on loan. 

However, after disappointing spells at Sampdoria and Salernitana, Dragusin was loaned to Genoa with an obligation to buy clause inserted. 

This, in turn, proved to be a blessing in disguise for Dragusin, who would prove his credentials in Serie B with Genoa and help them secure a return to the Italian top-flight. 

He was instrumental as Genoa secured promotion in 2022-23 and his performances in Italy helped catch the eye of his national team bosses. 

Dragusin played a crucial role in Genoa securing their promotion to the Serie A last season

Dragusin played a crucial role in Genoa securing their promotion to the Serie A last season

Dragusin earned his first call-up to the Romania U21 side back in April 2020, after former Chelsea forward Adrian Mutu rewarded the defender with a call-up. 

He would make just nine appearances all together for the international youth team before earning a call-up to the first-team squad in March 2022, off the back of his impressive campaign for Genoa. 

He played in every match as Romania ensured their place at Euro 2024 after finishing top of their qualifying group – with just five goals conceded in total.

There’s no doubt that, during next year’s tournament, the centre-back will be a key feature of Eduard Iordanescu’s squad. 

While the details on Dragusin’s career up until now are important, it’s crucial to gain an understanding on his style of play and how it came about. 

Back in 2020, the young defender revealed how Virgil van Dijk had ‘inspired’ him and, when looking at Dragusin, it’s easy to see the Dutchman’s influence. 

The Genoa star is a tall, physical presence that excels in the aerial battles, which will be music to the ears of Spurs boss Postecoglou. 

According to WhoScored, the defender gets dribbled past 0.1 times per Serie A match.

Dragusin has also become an integral member to Romania's national team recently

Dragusin has also become an integral member to Romania’s national team recently

Dragusin has previously revealed that he takes inspiration from Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk

Dragusin has previously revealed that he takes inspiration from Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, with a show every Monday and Thursday this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

It’s the second-lowest for a defender in the top five European leagues. Van Dijk is yet to be dribbled past this season, with Arsenal’s William Saliba tied with Dragusin. 

 As Mail Sport revealed Tottenham are close to agreeing a deal worth up to £25million for Genoa defender Dragusin after tabling a formal offer.

Out of favour defender Djed Spence, who returned from a loan spell at Leeds last week, is being offered to the Italian club as a sweetener in the proposed deal.

Bayern Munich have an interest in Dragusin and could yet look to make a late move for Romanian. But Tottenham are growing increasingly confident of landing the 21-year-old.

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Post source: Daily mail

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