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Tottenham Hotspur: Jan Vertonghen set for ‘shock’ switch to Manchester City after Spurs confirm eight exits
Tottenham Hotspur have announced that eight players have left the club at the end of the 2019/20 Premier League season.
Spurs officially confirmed the departures of Jan Vertonghen and Michel Vorm on Monday following the conclusion of the campaign.
Tottenham have also released academy players Rayan Clarke, Jonathan Dinzeyi, Tariq Hinds, Phoenix Patterson, Maxwell Statham and Maximus Tainio at the end of their development contracts.
The senior players have bid farewell to the Lilywhites after serving a combined total of 14 years in north London. Daniel Levy presented Vertonghen and Vorm with expensive watches as parting gifts on behalf of the club, while Hugo Lloris handed his old comrade a framed picture signed by the rest of the squad.
Recent reports suggested that Pep Guardiola is interested in recruiting Vertonghen for Manchester City. His exit paves the way for him to move to the Etihad Stadium instead.
Man City have set aside a considerable amount of money (reportedly in the region of £200m) to spend in the summer after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in their favour in their legal challenge to overturn their European ban, although Vertonghen will not cost them a penny as he is now a free agent.
Is Vertonghen a club legend?
Yes
No
The 33-year-old signed a short-term extension to stay at Spurs beyond the expiry of his original contract. However, this has now elapsed and he is looking at options elsewhere, amid interest from the Citizens.
The Belgian served the north London club with distinction for the past eight seasons, making 315 appearances in all competitions and scoring 14 goals in total.
He was a firm favourite of former manager Mauricio Pochettino, although he was relegated to the role of a fringe player by his successor Jose Mourinho and was an unused substitute during the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
While there is little (if any) guarantee that Vertonghen will become a first-choice starter for City in the foreseeable future, Guardiola believes he could be the perfect quick fix for his problems in defence. City conceded more goals than Premier League champions Liverpool this season, losing their title in the process, and the Spaniard will want to make amends.
Vertonghen, a versatile defender, is an experienced veteran who could suit the Spaniard’s playing style. However, he has also attracted attention from overseas, and it remains to be seen where he will end up next. He could follow in the footsteps of Tottenham legend Ledley King and learn the ropes as a member of the Spurs backroom staff in the future.
Tottenham fans, do you think Levy will have made a mistake if Vertonghen joins Man City? Let us know your views in the comments section below!
