Tottenham have softened the blow of Christian Eriksen's departure by announcing the permanent signing of Giovani Lo Celso from Real Betis.
Lo Celso joined Spurs on an initial season-long loan from Real Betis in August but the club has exercised the option to sign him permanently for £27.3m this month, having already paid the Spanish club a loan fee of around £15m.
The 22-year-old Argentina international would have cost £33.85m to buy permanently in June, a deal that would have been mandatory if Spurs qualify for the Champions League again.
Lo Celso has been impressive since establishing himself in the team following a hip injury suffered on international duty, which restricted his playing time in Autumn.
The former Rosario Central and Paris Saint-Germain player has made in 20 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring against Red Star Belgrade and Middlesbrough.
Lo Celso had a hand in both Spurs' goals in the 2-1 win over Norwich earlier this month and also created Heung-min Son's strike in the 1-1 draw at Southampton in the FA Cup fourth-round on Saturday.
Tottenham squad 2019-20 | Injuries, contracts and squad numbers
Afterwards, Spurs manager Jose Mourinho said: "I think the boy is earning the decision. He's making an easy decision for the club to execute the option."
