Tottenham player who can't get in team is 'loved by Messi' and Barcelona tried to sign him

Giovani Lo Celso was once hailed as the potential successor to Lionel Messi - but he hasn't lived up to expectations at Tottenham.

Despite being admired by the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and having been a target for Barcelona, the Argentinian midfielder is struggling to secure regular playing time in north London. Lo Celso arrived at Tottenham in 2019 after impressive stints with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Betis.

His initial performances were promising, but Mauricio Pochettino's exit a few months later triggered a downward spiral that saw him lose his place in the starting eleven and eventually the first-team squad. Following loan spells at Villarreal during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, Lo Celso returned to Tottenham under new manager Ange Postecoglou.

The Rosario-born star has made 24 appearances this season, with 18 of those coming off the bench. But lack of minutes aside, Spurs are reportedly keen to retain Lo Celso.

It's understood the club are planning an extension to his current contract, which is set to expire in just over a year. If they don't tie him down he could be snapped up by Barcelona considered him as a potential replacement for Messi when the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was abruptly let go in 2020.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Messi himself recommended Lo Celso to his former club back in January, touting him as Argentina's top midfielder, reports the Mirror. But despite Barcelona's interest, Tottenham stood their ground and rebuffed their advances.

READ MORE: Tottenham player ratings vs Man City - Dragusin and Bentancur impress as Son misses huge chance

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou press conference highlights - Tottenham boss on Son miss, Bentancur and Moore

It seems they made the right call. Lo Celso appears to be quite happy in north London, having expressed his satisfaction with life under Postecoglou just a few months ago. He shared: "I was really grateful for his belief in me, so I worked hard and showed every day that I wanted to be here and play.

"I've felt really comfortable in training and in the way he coaches. I love his idea of football which gave me the belief that I could find a place in his team. The coaching staff have helped as well as my team-mates.

"It's a personal challenge for my career, but the coach's plan and philosophy is helping me improve my game because he asks me and wants me to do specific things in my role. Things have been going great. He's made me feel very confident and comfortable since he joined."

The Lilywhites are set for a busy summer transfer window after the conclusion of what initially appeared to be a promising season ended in disappointment. After suffering defeat to City on Tuesday, Postecoglou candidly dubbed the club's foundations as "fragile" and echoed his assertion made earlier that "change has to happen".

With the result against City, Spurs can no longer secure a position in next year's Champions League, a spot sealed by Villa on May 14. Needing just a single point in their final match against Sheffield United to clinch fifth place, anything less could see Newcastle or Chelsea sneak in - both trailing by six points but with a superior goal difference and an extra game to play.