Tottenham have announced the signing of Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus, until 2026, ahead of the January transfer window deadline.
So far, Spurs have only seen departures of four academy players and Tanguy Ndombele, but were yet to secure deals for any incomings, until the midfielder signed.
football.london had reported interest from Aston Villa for Bentancur, but a reunion with Fabio Paratici and move to Tottenham was the favoured option for the 24-year-old.
The Uruguay international had grown into a key player for Juventus and helped them to two Serie A titles. Antonio Conte will hope the midfielder can make the move to the capital and help Spurs with their creativity issue in the middle of the pitch.
Juventus announced the departure of the midfielder on deadline day, after football.london had reported that the Uruguayan was having a medial in South America, ahead of his move.
Tottenham's official club website announced the signing shortly after, confirming details of the four-and-a-half-year deal and explaining that the move is "subject to international clearance and a work permit".
Original figures for the 24-year-old looked like they could be 19million Euros plus 6million Euros in add-ons but Juventus confirmed that the north London club will pay £15.86m, payable over three financial years, which may increase by an additional £5m if certain objectives are met during the term of the Uruguayan's contract.
The midfielder has made 19 appearances in Serie A so far this season and five Champions League appearances, making a total of three goal contributions.
Bentancur has represented Uruguay since 2017 and was part of the side that won the Under-20 South American Championship.
Later that year, the midfielder made his senior debut for his country and has gone on to represent his nation at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as well as the Copa America in 2019 and 2021.
This has taken the 24-year-old's senior cap total to 46 and his arrival to the capital will come after his international duties with Uruguay.
His country played Paraguay on Friday and Bentancur played 83 minutes in the 1-0 victory. He will look to get some more game time in their next fixture, which is against Venezuela on Tuesday.
A midfielder was one of Conte's priorities for the January transfer window and the former Juventus player will now help fulfil the Italian's wish.
Pierre Emile Hojbjerg, Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp are currently the options for the central midfield positions but the 52-year-old will hope Bentancur can slot into the starting line-up and provide some more creativity for the current Spurs side.
The Uruguay international will be joined in N17 by his Juventus teammate, Dejan Kulusevski, which the Italian side announced minutes after the 24-year-old's departure.
Conte will hope the Juventus duo can make an impact on his current Spurs side in the final months of the season and help the Lilywhites in their battle for a top-four spot.
