Antonio Nusa has been omitted from the KRC Genk squad for the upcoming game, and manager Ronny Deila expresses confidence that the anticipated £30 million-plus move to the Premier League, a target for both Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford, is no longer in the cards.
If circumstances had been different, and Brentford hadn’t encountered an issue during Antonio Nusa’s medical tests, tonight’s Jupiler League clash between Genk and OH Leuven might have marked a farewell appearance for the young Norwegian international. However, Nusa finds himself excluded from the squad, with Coach Ronny Deila expressing concerns about the potential impact of weeks of relentless speculation on the 18-year-old forward.
Deila explains the decision, stating, “It’s really been a lot for him in the last few days. So we left him at home today. He is fit, so the intention is for him to be back on Sunday.”
Notably, concerns about Nusa’s fitness led Brentford to step back from a potential £31 million deal, citing what they perceived as a potentially ‘serious’ issue, not only with the teenager’s knee but also with his back. Tottenham, too, engaged in talks to secure Nusa’s transfer to North London before Brentford emerged as frontrunners recently.
Former Celtic boss Deila now expresses confidence that the young talent, often referred to as the ‘Norwegian Neymar,’ will continue showcasing his skills in the blue-and-black stripes until at least the summer, with a January departure seeming unlikely unless Spurs present a last-minute offer.
“I do occasionally receive an update on the situation,” Deila states, “He is our player today, and I understand that he will stay until the end of the season anyway. I want nothing more than that, so I can’t be dissatisfied in that respect. Nusa will be there again on Sunday (three days after the window closes).”
As Tottenham emerges as the big spenders in this transfer window, having already secured signings like Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner, the ongoing interest in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher is noted. However, Bournemouth’s firm stance on Dominic Solanke, setting the price at a minimum of £60 million, underscores the challenges in acquiring the prolific striker.
