The transfer twist that led Hummels to Roma and Danso to Tottenham glory | OneFootball

Tottenham’s Europa League win over Manchester United marked a significant sliding doors moment for Kevin Danso and Mats Hummels, with the latter eventually joining Roma after the club had initially tried to sign the Austria international.

Danso joined the Premier League side on deadline day of the winter transfer window, leaving Lille after three and a half seasons.

Austria’s defender #04 Kevin Danso heads the ball during the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 football match between Austria and Turkey at the Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig on July 2, 2024. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

However, his move came just months after the French club had reached an agreement with the Giallorossi, who ultimately pulled out of the deal due to issues that emerged during the player’s medical.

How a failed transfer sent Hummels to Roma and opened the door for Danso at Tottenham

Still in search of a centre-back, Roma went on to sign Hummels on a free transfer in early September—a twist that would go on to shape both teams’ Europa League campaigns.

While Danso started only one of his three Europa League appearances for Tottenham, the German defender made five starts under Claudio Ranieri.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Mats Hummels of AS Roma scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Tottenham Hotspur and AS Roma at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 28, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

The first came in Roma’s 2-2 away draw at Tottenham, where Hummels scored a late equaliser for the visitors.

However, the 36-year-old also jeopardised Roma’s qualification hopes in the second leg of their round-of-16 clash against Athletic Bilbao, receiving a red card just 11 minutes into a match they would go on to lose 3-1—crashing out of the competition despite a first-leg win.