Many Spurs fans were delighted to hear that both Ajax and Napoli are keen to approach Jan Vertonghen in the January transfer window.
According to the Telegraph (via Daily Hotspur), both clubs could make a move for the 32-year-old in January and will try to tempt Spurs into selling the defender rather than seeing him leave on a free transfer at the end of the season when his contract expires. The Belgian is free to speak to clubs abroad as he approaches the end of his contract but a move away during the transfer window could still be a possibility.
Vertonghen signed for Spurs in 2012 from Ajax and has gone on to make 302 appearances for the North London club in nearly eight years in England. Once regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, it seems as if the Belgian international is beginning to struggle as his pace declines; having averaged just a 6.88 rating so far this season.
Is Jan Vertonghen past it?
Yes
No
Reaction from Spurs fans to the interest in Vertonghen can be seen in the tweets below.
Great servant for the club but hes past it now
— World class sissoko (@JackSpurs1997) January 1, 2020
Happy enough to be honest. Not the player he was. Might actually force us to go and buy some fresh blood for this team. Thanks for memories but I’d take that offer all day
— gavin (@gavinspurs) January 1, 2020
He’s finished I’m afraid
— Ben Archer (@benarcher60) January 1, 2020
Good ridence. Sell him immediately absolutely useless.
— Atouchofklarsesport (@Atouchofklarse1) January 1, 2020
Sadly time to go
— robert #coys (@dwarfhubby29) January 1, 2020
He’s finished let him go
— Joe #EnicOut (@JoeGTHFC) January 1, 2020
KEEP THE NEWS COMING PLEASE THIS IS AMAZING
— Augustine?? (@ausnoff) January 1, 2020
I’ll drop him to the airport
— Steve Anderson (@SteveAndersonx) January 1, 2020
Good he he looks ready to go
— Dejan (@DekispurDejan) January 1, 2020
These Spurs fans are clearly delighted to hear that they could get a fee for Vertonghen, with many seeming to think that the 32-year-old is well past his best.
What do we think?
Vertonghen has struggled at times this season and January may well be the best time to move him on. With Spurs reportedly interested in Issa Diop, perhaps selling the £16.2 million rated man to the Italian side could benefit the North London club in more ways than one.