Former Sunderland striker, Kevin Phillips, has revealed that he expects Jan Vertonghen to leave Tottenham when his contract runs out in the summer, insisting that the defender needs a new challenge.
Vertonghen has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League since moving to Spurs from Ajax in the summer of 2012.
However, this season has been a rather difficult one for the experienced Belgian, as he has failed to earn a consistent run in the side under either Pochettino or Mourinho.
With the centre-half’s contract with the club running out in the summer, there is no indication that he is close to signing a new deal at this time.
His future has been subject to speculation in recent weeks with a return to Ajax (De Telegraaf) as well as a move to Inter Milan (Standard) being mooted for the summer.
Phillips believes it is time Mourinho had an honest conversation with the Belgian international.
Speaking to Football Insider, the former England striker said: “You look at what has happened this season – he (Vertonghen) has been in and out of the side and we have seen him get subbed a couple of times.
MORE SPURS STORIES
“It would not surprise me if Mourinho sits the lad down and has an honest conversation with him and he would probably admit it is time for a fresh challenge.
“It has been a difficult year but he has been a great servant for the club. Whenever we reconvene, whether it is next season, it would not surprise me if Vertonghen is not at Tottenham.”
Spurs Web Opinion
With footballing action unlikely to return until the summer due to the escalating nature of the coronavirus issue, I wouldn’t be surprised if Vertonghen had already played his last game in a Spurs shirt. While he has been a terrific servant for the club over the years, I don’t believe he’s done enough to convince Jose that he deserves a new contract.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
