Alejo Veliz Set for Bahia Switch as Tottenham Finalise Summer Exit
Tottenham Hotspur is on the cusp of completing their first significant player sale of the summer transfer window, with Argentine striker Alejo Veliz reportedly nearing a permanent move to Brazilian club Bahia. The 22-year-old has already travelled to South America to finalise the details of the transfer with the Série A outfit, which is part of the expansive City Football Group network. This impending departure signals the end of Veliz’s three-year tenure in North London, a period marked by limited senior appearances and just a single goal.
The transfer saga surrounding Veliz began in the 2023/24 season, when Tottenham secured his signature from Rosario Central for a reported fee of £13 million. Arriving under the management of Ange Postecoglou, the young forward found first-team opportunities at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to be scarce. He managed to make eight senior appearances for the club, all of which came as a substitute. His lone goal for the senior side was netted in a challenging 4-2 away defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion in December 2023.
Following his struggles for consistent game time in England, Veliz embarked on loan spells to gain valuable experience. His first temporary stint was with Spanish club Sevilla, where he played a handful of games. He then moved to Espanyol, where he found more regular minutes and a degree of success, scoring four goals in 29 appearances. A return to his former club, Rosario Central, for the 2025/26 campaign saw him recapture some of his scoring form, registering six goals in 24 matches. However, it became increasingly evident that Veliz was not a central part of Tottenham’s long-term strategic plans.
Bahia Deal Takes Shape with Future Clauses
An agreement in principle between Tottenham and Bahia had been reached earlier in 2026. However, the finalisation of the deal was protracted due to Veliz’s continued loan spell in Argentina. The transfer is understood to be worth approximately £7.8 million, with an additional £871,000 in performance-related add-ons. Crucially for Spurs, the deal also includes a 20 percent sell-on clause, which will ensure the club retains a vested financial interest in Veliz’s future career trajectory.
Veliz’s presence in Brazil now indicates that the final administrative hurdles are being cleared. Bahia is currently competing in Brazil’s top-flight division and, at the mid-season juncture ahead of the World Cup break, sits comfortably in 7th position in the league standings. The Brazilian club’s affiliation with the City Football Group is a significant factor. This global network of football clubs, owned by a consortium including Abu Dhabi United Group, Silver Lake, and China Media Capital/CITIC Capital, saw Bahia join its ranks in 2023. Despite Veliz having three years remaining on his Tottenham contract, the club has made the decision to sanction his permanent departure.
Strategic Implications for Tottenham’s Squad Reshuffle
Alejo Veliz’s imminent exit will undoubtedly create valuable space within Tottenham’s attacking department. This move comes as the club continues its strategic reshaping of the squad under the guidance of new manager Roberto De Zerbi, in preparation for the upcoming season. While Veliz was not anticipated to feature prominently in De Zerbi’s immediate plans, his sale offers Tottenham the opportunity to recoup a transfer fee and secure a future sell-on clause.
Furthermore, this transfer represents a fresh start for the young striker. Having experienced difficulties in establishing himself during his time in Europe, Veliz now has the chance to reignite his career in a new environment in South America. The move to Bahia, a club with strong connections and a clear pathway within a major football conglomerate, could prove to be a pivotal step in his development.
