It is understood that Jan Vertonghen has committed his future to Tottenham. He joins the recent addition processions in signing on for the long-term. The Belgian defender joins the likes of Kyle Walker, Eric Dier, Christian Eriksen and Danny Rose in signing 4 or 5 year deals. The ratifying of Vertonghen’s coming to terms is with the view to an announcement in the coming days.
Mauricio Pochettino declared at a press conference that another Signing was imminent. “Yes, maybe a centre back,” came the manager’s suggestion. This paves the way for the announcement on Vertonghen, a key component of Spurs’ defensive unit that conceded the least goals in the league last term. Dele Alli, Tom Carroll and Harry Winks have all also extended their contracts within the last two weeks.
Following Tottenham’s highest ever finish in the league (third) last season, it is clear that the Squad believes in the famous Pochettino philosophy. This is surely the most positive and engaging squad that Spurs’ fans have had the pleasure to watch in many years, certainly the most reliable and consistent in the Premier League-era.
Pochettino has helped to foster a family-like bond amongst the players and even coaching staff, as Christian Eriksen confirmed when signing his own extension. “As a team we have a bright future…players have signed new deals because they want to be a part of it.” Eriksen believes there is, “something special to build on,” and clearly his teammates feel the same.
The signing of the core of this squad signals an intent for Spurs to develop into a consistently high performing team in the Premier League and Europe. It appears as though belief within is at an all-time high too, with both Pochettino and Kyle Walker recently confirming their intent to challenge on all fronts. “We want to win all competitions,” Walker boldly declared at his sign-on event.
Vertonghen’s extension meanwhile, at the age of 29, will see him play out the prime of his career at the club he joined in 2012. Having openly stated that he was close to leaving the club only two years ago, his turn around in thought process is indicative of the directional change at his club. Now forming a formidable first-choice centre back pairing with countryman Toby Aldeweireld, the signing shores up Tottenham’s defence.
With impressive youngster Cameron Carter-Vickers and Vertonghen’s obvious successor Kevin Wimmer in reserve, it appears central defence in particular is locked away. Add to that the signings of young English talent in Dele Alli and Harry Winks, and the midfield too looks primed for the future. Tottenham’s focus is now on developing the talent at its’ disposal. They will bring through academy prospects whilst adding and subtracting from the transfer market as necessary, a far cry from the desperation purchases of years gone by.
