Spurs fans were delighted to hear Jose Mourinho’s comments on Japhet Tanganga after the 20-year-old made his Premier League debut against Liverpool at the weekend.
Indeed, the defender’s current deal is supposedly set to run out at in the summer (Transfermarkt). However, Jose Mourinho recently said: “Do you think I would play him if his contract was expiring?” (via Alasdair Gold), with Gold going on to suggest that Tangana may have a extra one-year option on his current contract.
The young defender impressed despite Spurs losing out 1-0 against Jurgen Klopp’s side on Saturday; earning a 7.38 rating for his performance against the league leaders. Many Spurs fans are slightly confused about Mourinho’s comments, however, with both Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen regulars under the 56-year-old manager since his appointment in November, despite them both being out of contract at the end of the season.
Are you glad Tanganga will be staying?
Yes
No
Reaction from Spurs fans to Mourinho’s Tanganga comments can be seen in the tweets below.
But he plays Eriksen who’s contract is expiring, and been poor for a long time. Doesn’t make sense.
— Kenneth (@KennethPKrey) January 13, 2020
@alfie_nelligan good
— Ishaan Grover (@THFCIshaan) January 13, 2020
Thank god. He’s class
— Alfie Nelligan (@alfie_nelligan) January 13, 2020
Maybe it means he had signed already
— ravi (@coysblimey) January 13, 2020
I’ve been wanting Tanganga to play since I saw him in the Audi Cup
— Dillon Naidoo (@hcwh3r0) January 13, 2020
Eriksen is being played because he is in the shop window. Tanganga is being played because he isn’t !!
— Kevin Burrows (@KevinBu39426124) January 14, 2020
These Spurs fans were clearly a bit confused by Mourinho’s comments, but are hopeful it means that Tangana will be staying beyond the end of the season.
What do we think?
Mourinho’s answer does suggest that Tanganga will not leave on a free transfer in the summer, with Alasdair Gold suggesting that he perhaps has an agreement in place for a one-year extension. This comes as good news for Spurs fans, as after his promising debut the 20-year-old defender looks like he could be an important player for Mourinho.