Thomas Frank Prioritizes Recovery After 9-10 Month ACL Layoff.

Radu Dragusin

Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Drăgușin attracts significant interest from Italian clubs for a potential January loan move, as reports from Fabrizio Romano and Italian media confirm on December 31, 2025/January 1, 2026.

The 23-year-old Romanian international, who suffered an ACL injury in January 2025 (out 9-10 months), made an emotional cameo return against Crystal Palace on December 28 – his first minutes in nearly a year.

Manager Thomas Frank remains cautious, telling reporters: “Right now, just so happy to see him come on the pitch having been out for nine or 10 months. For him it’s a massive step. That’s the most important thing.”

Clubs like Juventus, Napoli, Roma, Inter Milan, and others eye an initial loan (possibly with option/obligation to buy) to give Drăgușin regular minutes – something he’s unlikely to get at Spurs as fourth-choice behind Romero, Van de Ven, and others.

Drăgușin holds upcoming talks with Tottenham about his future, with a return to Serie A (former clubs Juventus youth/Genoa) appealing. Spurs, who paid €30m in 2024, may allow a loan if conditions suit.

A new chapter for the promising CB? Recovery first, but January could bring movement. COYS