Sky Sports News reported on Monday that Arnaut Danjuma would join Everton; the move was still expected to go through despite the sacking of Frank Lampard but in a dramatic twist, the Netherlands international suddenly travelled to London to hold talks with Spurs
Thursday 26 January 2023 09:52, UK
Tottenham have completed the loan signing of Villarreal forward Arnaut Danjuma - just days after he nearly joined Everton.
Sky Sports News reported on Monday that Danjuma would join managerless Everton on Tuesday. The move was still expected to go through despite the sacking of Frank Lampard, who played a key role in the deal.
However, in a dramatic twist, the Netherlands international suddenly travelled to London to hold talks with Spurs, and the 25-year-old has now finalised his move to Antonio Conte's side.
Tottenham have the option to buy Danjuma once his initial loan finishes at the end of the season.
"It's amazing to sign for Spurs. I'm very delighted to be here," Danjuma told the club's in-house media. "As soon as Tottenham came in for me, it was a no-brainer.
"It's a massive club with a brilliant coach. The facilities are obviously unbelievable so for me, it's been very exciting to be part of this team.
"I'm really looking forward to working with the manager. He has so much experience and so for me it is a great opportunity to learn and be amongst the greats."
Danjuma admitted he had spoken to previous Tottenham players he has come across for both club and country such as Etienne Capoue, Juan Foyth, Serge Aurier, Giovani Lo Celso and his compatriot Steven Bergwijn ahead of making the move.
"It's good to hear that the reaction and the feedback has only been positive going into this new challenge. I hope to provide plenty of goals and assists. I hope to add something extra and have an impact.
"It's not a debate that the Premier League is the greatest in the world. If I look back at my career, coming back to England is like coming home. I'm hoping I won't need too much time to adapt. My Champions League experience should also help me bring something to the team as well."
His arrival in north London will boost Conte's attacking options, with Heung-Min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and Lucas Moura each having experienced injury issues this term.
Spurs are boosted by the news that Danjuma will be able to play in the Champions League. They face AC Milan in the last 16, with the first of two legs taking place on February 14.
Danjuma had decided to join Everton despite there being more lucrative offers and interest elsewhere. He was aware of the challenge facing the club in the Premier League amid off-field chaos but wanted to test himself and take risks.
However, the timing of Lampard's sacking and the uncertainty of his replacement made Danjuma's decision to abandon the move to Goodison Park easier.
Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest were also keen on signing Danjuma, who spent two years at the south-coast side between 2019 and 2021, after Villarreal granted him permission to speak to clubs which generated further interest.
Sky Sports News reporter Vinny O'Connor:
"Just when you think Everton fans have suffered enough, this happens.
"Danjuma was expected at Finch Farm, he had agreed to join, and the medical had been completed over the weekend.
"He'd sought certain reassurances from the football club regarding the direction they were going in once it became apparent Frank Lampard was going to lose his job.
"It all seemed set for the loan deal from Villarreal to be announced but at the eleventh hour, Spurs came in and made an offer to take him on loan.
"This will be a massive disappointment for Everton. They thought they'd got their man. They'd been desperate to get in attacking options. Lampard had worked diligently on attempting to bring him to Everton."
Tottenham are also hopeful of concluding a deal for Sporting Lisbon defender Pedro Porro before the deadline next Tuesday.
Further negotiations between the two clubs are taking place on Wednesday, with sources in Portugal claiming that Sporting may negotiate on the release clause.
Up until now, they've wanted Porro's €45m release clause paid in full. But the fact talks are ongoing suggests Sporting could be open to relaxing their demands. Tottenham have been reluctant to pay the full release clause up front.
Porro started on the bench for last night's League Cup semi-final win at Arouca and Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim admits he's unsure if he will play in Saturday's final.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are willing to let right wing-back Djed Spence leave the club on loan this month. Spurs signed Spence from Middlesbrough last summer in a deal worth up to £20m but he has only featured four times in the Premier League this season.
Who will be on the move this winter? The January transfer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday January 31, 2023.
Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports' digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.
