Real Betis announced on Friday the signing of midfielder Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham Hotspur just minutes before the end of the LaLiga summer transfer window.

The transfer fee for Lo Celso, 28, is reported to be €5 million, with Tottenham securing a priority option for United States national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso.

Lo Celso is signing a contract or the next three seasons with an option for a fourth year.

The Argentina international rejoins LaLiga after a two-year stint with Villarreal on loan. Lo Celso’s return to Betis marks a full-circle moment after leaving the Sevilla side for the Spurs in 2019.

Betis president Angel Haro told reporters that he was pleased with the deal given the challenges presented with the departure this week of forward Nabil Fekir to the UAE Pro League club Al-Jazira.

In his most recent Premier League campaign with Tottenham, Lo Celso contributed two goals and two assists in 24 appearances.

He has also been a key member of the Argentine national team, earning 57 caps and playing a pivotal role in their consecutive Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024.