The seemingly imminent departure of Antonio Conte as Tottenham manager will not have an impact on Dejan Kulusevski joining the club permanently this summer. The Sweden international arrived at Spurs on an initial 18-month loan in the 2022 January transfer window.
Now approaching the end of that deal, the 22-year-old is expecting the option to buy in his contract to be activated at the end of this season, despite Conte's uncertain future. Throughout his time in north London, Kulusevski has established himself as one of Tottenham's most important attackers, and it seems inevitable he will be a permanent Spurs player next season.
The under-fire Italian manager was instrumental in bringing Kulusevski, as well as Rodrigo Bentancur, from his former club Juventus during his first season in charge. His arrival proved pivotal in transforming Spurs' campaign which saw them clinch a top-four berth on the final day.
READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino has already shown Daniel Levy why he must replace Antonio Conte at Tottenham
Kulusevski's deal included an option to buy, with certain conditions potentially upgrading it to an obligation. However, Conte's precarious position in the dugout has led to some questioning whether a new manager would be as keen on triggering the clause, or if the player would be as eager to stay.
“Conte's situation will not affect the club's buy option for me — absolutely not. I want to stay at Spurs, of course," Kulusevski told Sky Sports.
The Spurs boss hit out at his players after watching the side throw away a 3-1 lead against Southampton to draw 3-3 last Saturday. In a furious post-match press conference, he labelled the playing staff as "selfish" and claimed that they "don't want to help each other and don't put their heart [in]".
Speaking while on international duty with Sweden ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifiers against Belgium and Azerbaijan, Kulusevski was asked if he felt personally offended by Conte's quotes. Instead, he backed his manager and took no offence to the controversial comments.
“No, because I know what I bring to the team every day," he replied. "I know I prepare myself to do as good as I can and that’s why I can always look at myself in the mirror.
“Sometimes I know I don’t play good enough and I can take responsibility for that. But what he said was for him, they were his words and I respect him a lot. He helped me a lot during my career and he’s still a very important man at the club and in my world.”
Tottenham teammate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was also pushed on Conte's words in his post-match press conference when speaking on Denmark duty on Monday and he called on the head coach to be more open with the players.
"I don't know," said Kulusevski when the Dane's comments were put to him. "He [Conte] was very disappointed as were us players. We have to accept that. We lost all the cups and went out in the Champions League also.
"I know sometimes we have to be sad and angry and that's how he took it. Somebody else would take it another way. We have to respect his words."
READ NEXT:
Mauricio Pochettino has already shown Daniel Levy why he must replace Antonio Conte at Tottenham
Fabio Paratici's big day and the Tottenham difficulty in reappointing Mauricio Pochettino
Dejan Kulusevski responds to Antonio Conte Tottenham outburst and issues honest verdict on boss
Udogie wows, Spence proves point to Conte, Reguilon nightmare - Tottenham loan player ratings
The inside story as Daniel Levy faces major decision to call time on Antonio Conte Tottenham era
