Spurs fans have in general not taken well to the news regarding centre-back Jan Vertonghen, with the club reportedly still keen to extend the centre-back’s contract.
According to the Guardian, the North London club are still in discussions with the 32-year-old over a possible new deal, with his current contract set to run out next summer. The former Ajax defender has been a mainstay in Mauricio Pochettino’s side since signing in 2012.
However, the Belgian international has made a very poor start to the season, with concerns already being raised earlier on this season. But, it appears as if Pochettino has had a change of heart and wants to avoid losing the experienced defender on a free in the summer, with Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan interested in signing the 32-year-old, so a new contract may yet be agreed.
Spurs have made a very poor start to the season and fans are not impressed by the news that the Belgian could be offered a contract extension beyond this season.
Reaction to the news on Vertonghen’s possible contract extension can be seen in the tweets from Spurs fans below.
He was an excellent defender for many years. That is over now. He is too slow to keep up with the younger guys. He should be a late game sub now and that is all. No contract extension.
— Adam Fisher (@yofishman88) October 30, 2019
Can’t believe I’m saying this but I would stay away from this.
— Hotspur Edition (@HotspurEdition) October 29, 2019
Such a key player up to last season. Where did it go wrong so fast
— Syed Aliff Abdullah (@ffiladeys) October 30, 2019
Should give Toby the new contract and sell Jan, he looks finished.
— Shannon Morgan (@ShannonMorgz11) October 29, 2019
Nope his good but getting to old unfortunately
— (@pochspurs) October 29, 2019
Love him to pieces and everything he’s done for the club, but think it’s time for us and him to move on respectfully and with fond memories of one another #COYS
— Mark Vinnicombe (@mdjv83) October 29, 2019
Shouldn’t get one, he’s going down hill fast. Thanks a lot but time to go
— Richard Holmes (@richolmestwit) October 29, 2019
These tweets clearly show that the majority of Spurs fans feel that it’s the right time for Vertonghen to leave the club.
What do we think?
Sadly, it does seem that Vertonghen is getting worse with age and that his lack of pace certainly hasn’t helped his cause this season. Spurs will need some reinforcements if they cannot agree on new contracts for Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld as they would be down to just Juan Foyth and Davinson Sanchez, as well as losing two experienced heads, regardless of how good or bad their performances have been.