Mauricio Pochettino could block Tottenham Hotspur from renewing Jan Vertonghen’s contract, as reported by Football Insider.
The Belgium international’s current deal comes to an end in the summer of 2020, as per Transfermarkt, though Pochettino is demanding an upturn in his performance levels – which he feels are worryingly low – if the 32-year-old is to get a renewal.
Since joining Spurs in the summer of 2012, Vertonghen has been an integral player for the club, playing 289 competitive games, as per Transfermarkt, helping them to a Champions League final and title challenges.
He has played four of the club’s seven matches of the season so far, but he hasn’t looked as assured as he has done in the past.
In his three Premier League matches, Vertonghen has averaged 1.3 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 4.7 clearances and 0.7 blocks per game, as per WhoScored.
He made 1.8 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 3.3 clearances and 0.5 blocks last season, which indicates that he was more proactive then.
This is certainly a worrying sign for Spurs, as they have conceded 10 goals in seven games this season, with six of those coming in the games Vertonghen has been a part of.
It does seem a bit of a risk to not offer the Belgian a new contract though, with Toby Alderweireld also being in the final year of his contract.
If Spurs were to lose both Vertonghen and Alderweireld in the summer, that would mean the club’s backline would need plenty of reinforcement, which could be detrimental.
Spurs fans, should Vertonghen be offered a contract? Join the discussion by commenting below…
