Tottenham signs Chiriches, Lamela and Eriksen
Tottenham took its summer spending above 100 million euros ($133 million) on Friday by completing a trio of signings, adding Romania center back Vlad Chiriches, Argentina forward Erik Lamela and Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen to the squad.
The 23-year-old Chiriches moved from Steaua Bucharest for a reported fee of 8.5 million pounds ($13.2 million), strengthening the defense following the departures of William Gallas and Steven Caulker during the offseason.
With Gareth Bale's move to Real Madrid expected to be sealed before the transfer window closes on Monday, Tottenham also signed 21-year-old Lamela from Serie A club Roma for 30 million euros ($40 million), with the fee potentially rising by 5 million euros ($7 million) depending on his success at the London club.
Hours later, the club announced it had reached a deal with Ajax for the 21-year-old Eriksen, widely touted as one of the most talented young playmakers in Europe. Ajax said the deal was worth up to 13.5 million euros.
Lamela scored 21 goals for Roma since joining from River Plate two years ago.
Chiriches, who has played 19 times for Romania, will compete with Jan Vertonghen, Younes Kaboul and captain Michael Dawson for a place in the starting lineup.
The trio joins a long list of new players at White Hart Lane as Tottenham prepares for life without Bale, having already recruited Brazil midfielder Paulinho, Spain striker Roberto Soldado from Valencia, France defensive midfielder Etienne Capoue and winger Nacer Chadli in the offseason.
The amount Tottenham has spent this summer is likely to be recouped by the sale of Bale to Madrid in a transfer that is being negotiated.