This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
Jan Vertonghen must prove his fitness to earn a new deal at Tottenham Hotspur, per Football Insider.
What’s the word?
The 32-year-old’s current contract expires at the end of the campaign and he can agree a deal with a foreign club in the January transfer window should he wish.
The aforementioned report claims that the Belgium international has been struggling with niggling ankle injuries amid some poor form.
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And Football Insider reports that Mourinho will need to be convinced by Vertonghen’s ability to stay fit if he is to decide against vetoing his potential new contract.
The veteran defender has made 294 appearances for the club since joining from Ajax in 2012.
Correct policy
Vertonghen really has no need of a new deal.
He turns 33 in April and is approaching the twilight of his career.
The club have a number of defenders who can potentially replace Vertonghen, with Davinson Sanchez just 23 and Juan Foyth 21.
Even Toby Alderweireld, his usual centre-back partner, is 30.
Mourinho, then, is correct to tread carefully before committing to a fresh contract with a player who is beginning to creak in defence.
Instead, it makes sense for Spurs to begin scouting replacements for the centre-back or give either Sanchez or Foyth the chance to make his spot their own.
Meanwhile, Spurs fans have gushed over a rival ace after a fine performance.