Spurs fans were treated to the news that it is expected that at least one and possibly two of Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Christian Eriksen will sign new contracts with the club.
The news, which was reported by Football. London (via HotspurRelated), suggests that there is a growing belief that that at least two of the players will re-sign. All three players are out of contract in the summer and had looked set to leave on free transfers under Mauricio Pochettino, but may reverse their decisions following the appointment of Jose Mourinho last week.
Alderweireld seems most likely to be the first player to put pen to paper, with the 30-year-old defender regularly tweeting following the first two positive results under Mourinho.
The former Southampton man was linked with a move away over the summer but it seems as if no other club was willing to activate his reported £25 million release clause. Alderweireld may well be joined by his Belgian compatriot and fellow centre-back Jan Vertonghen in signing a new deal at the club, with the former Ajax man too seemingly convinced by Mourinho.
How many of Alderweireld, Vertonghen and Eriksen do you think will sign new contracts?
All three
Two
One
None
It will be a surprise if Spurs can convince all three players to stay however, with Eriksen having hinted at his desire to leave the North London club over the summer. But, as stated above, perhaps Mourinho is the key figure when it comes to the futures of all three players.
Reaction from Spurs fans to the news that two of the three players could sign new deals with the club can be seen in the tweets below.
I can’t believe this
— Adeo9 (@Ade98258539) November 27, 2019
This is brilliant likely eriksen will go but if he puts in performances like last night that’s fine
— Musa (@Musathfc28) November 27, 2019
Toby and Jan please, Eriksen can go
— Tom Clarke-Mills (@TomClarkeMills) November 27, 2019
Think Jan has always wanted to stay just a matter of if the club had interest in extending him
Toby loves Jose so if the offer is right he could absolutely stay
Eriksen is as good as gone, Madrid will take him on a free and there’s no way he’s turning that opportunity down
— joe (@JoeGTHFC) November 27, 2019
Eriksen has become a 5 yard sideways passer who wants no responsibility. I’ve no idea what’s going on personally with him but by his standards he’s been abysmal for 12/18 months. If he genuinely wants to go then get as much as can in January for him.
— ben (@ben4675) November 27, 2019
Tony and Jan for sure
— Dan (@TheProneBear_) November 27, 2019
YES!
— Hostrup6 (@maltheboelcom) November 27, 2019
Spurs fans are clearly delighted with the news that they could be keeping both Vertonghen and Alderweireld, but many seem resigned to Eriksen leaving on a free transfer.
What do we think?
Toby Alderweireld has played the full 90 minutes in both of Mourinho’s games as Spurs boss, but Vertonghen missed the West Ham clash and was an unused substitute on Tuesday night. So, perhaps the latter still has a point to prove with Mourinho still yet to witness him in action.
Christian Eriksen secured a rating of 7.6 on Tuesday night and provided an assist, despite starting on the substitutes’ bench, so he’s certainly made an impressive start but it remains to be seen as to whether he’ll put pen to paper.