Dejan Kulusevski could be set for a return to Juventus this summer, with his future at current club Tottenham Hotspur thought to be dependent on the North Londoners securing qualification for the Champions League next season.
According to Calciomercato (via IlBianconero.net), the Sweden international’s stay in the Premier League is at risk of coming to an end, with Kulusevski likely to be sent back to Juventus following an 18-month loan spell at Spurs.
Tottenham would automatically trigger a €35 million clause in the deal that brought him to the club should they earn a top-four finish in the Premier League and secure a place in next season’s Champions League, but their poor form this term has put that in considerable doubt.
Kulusevski could follow Conte out of Spurs
Kulusevski joined midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur in swapping Juventus for Spurs in January 2022, linking up with ex-Bianconeri and Inter coach Antonio Conte at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Having made a strong impression in England, it was expected that Spurs would land the former Parma winger on a permanent deal, having already paid €10m to bring him in on loan.
However, Conte was dismissed in March after a dreadful run of form and a public outburst against his squad, leading to growing doubts over whether Kulusevski would also remain at the club beyond the summer.
Whilst Spurs have an option to buy the 23-year-old outright for €30m at the end of the season regardless of their league finish, the Lilywhites make look elsewhere if they miss out on Champions League football.
Tottenham enduring dismal season
Having joined Juventus from Atalanta in 2020, Sweden international Kulusevski initially enjoyed a positive start to life in Turin under coach Andrea Pirlo, but saw his playing time reduced following the return of Massimiliano Allegri the following season.
After signing for Tottenham, Kulusevski helped the club secure a place in the Champions League thanks to a late push in 2022, but his second season has not gone to plan.
With Conte sacked and interim coach Cristian Stellini also dismissed, Tottenham are sixth and find themselves nine points behind Manchester United in fourth, whilst their two-point cushion over Brighton comes with the Seagulls having three games in hand.
Kulusevski has made 53 appearances for Spurs in all competitions, scoring seven goals.
