Spurs fans on Twitter have been reacting to the latest report on Jan Vertonghen.
According to The Times (via Daily Hotspur), the North London club have informed the Belgian international that he will not be offered a new contract. The defender had been keen to commit his future to Spurs but the club had concerns about an ankle injury which may have contributed to his decline in performances.
The 33-year-old’s contract with Spurs is set to expire later this month and it seems as if his eight-year spell with the Lilywhites could be coming to an end, with no new contract offer on the horizon. The report from the Times suggests that the club are concerned about the Belgian’s apparent decline in performances, which is perhaps backed up by the fact that the centre-back has averaged a 6.85 rating this season in the Premier League, compared to a 7.26 average rating in 2017/18 and a 7.28 rating in 2016/17 (per WhoScored).
Do Spurs need to bring in a replacement for Vertonghen, or can they rely on youth?
Sign a replacement
Have faith in the youngsters
Spurs arguably do have some squad depth when it comes to centre-backs, with the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez first-team regulars, whilst it has been suggested that Eric Dier could feature in that position more regularly going forward. This season has also seen the emergence of versatile defender Japhet Tanganga, who could prove to be the man to replace Vertonghen, whilst March also saw young defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott make his senior debut for the Lilywhites.
Reaction from Spurs fans to the latest report on Vertonghen can be seen in the tweets below.
If he leaves now he will leave with an amazing status at the club
— Rue #BLM (@thfcrueben) June 3, 2020
Whatever the outcome, he should get a testimonial.
— Harry Hotspur (@HarryHotspurWHL) June 3, 2020
Plenty of fans suggested that they would be very sad to see him leave.
I’m so sad that the it’s ended this way for him. What a player he has been for us.
— Daniel Shack (@Daniel_Shack) June 3, 2020
Super Jan, has been top draw for us and maybe he’s ankle is ok now, it’s been rested for 3 months, I’ll be sad to see him go.
— Adam Mason (@AMason261) June 3, 2020
So sad. Probably my favourite player of the last 10 years.
— Chris Clark (@sparkyclarky77) June 3, 2020
Oh man
— ??????? (@rebeccacoulsonn) June 3, 2020
Very very sad. He’s 100% a club legend.
— ap (@otheranthony) June 3, 2020
Other fans seemed devastated that he is leaving, with some suggesting he is worthy of an extension.
Give him till end of current season to prove himself then see
— Alex Smith (@RedemptionDele) June 3, 2020
No way he hasn’t got a couple more years in him, people are clueless on here
— Kane Butcher (@Butcher_Kane96) June 3, 2020
Some Lilywhites supporters were more cynical in their responses to the tweet on Vertonghen.
He’s a old man, it’s time to move on
— SPURS (@THFC_THFC_) June 3, 2020
He’s finished anyway, so why should he get one? No sentiment in football. He’s been a great player for us, but his time is up
— DJ Godfather (@Godfather_DJ) June 3, 2020
Overall, it seems as if a lot of Spurs fans will be sad to see Vertonghen go, even if they believe it’s the right decision.