The transfer of Jan Vertonghen from Ajax to Spurs has the feeling of a never ending story about it. Euro 2012 was nothing but excitement in our bellies when the rumours first broke, and now the dust has all but settled in Poland and The Ukraine, the conclusion to this transfer saga is still ongoing. The Belgian Centre Half has not gone out of his way to hide his desire to move to the premiership, and has even spoken out on the Ajax website.
Andre Villas-Boas was today announced as the new manager at Spurs and concluding the transfer of the Belgian should be at the top of new man’s list. Even though Spurs have insisted Ledley King still has a future at The Lane, it seems likely the Spurs legend has all but played his last games for the club. Last season Younes Kaboul was in imperious form, although he only managed 27 starts, a relatively low number for a centre half. King made the second largest contribution with 15 starts in all competitions. With Ryan Nelson moving to QPR and William Gallas reportedly on his way to West Ham, options in the centre of defence for AVB are looking limited.
Of course the ever dependable Michael Dawson will be raring to go after missing out on 99.9% of last season through injury and the Olympic-bound Steven Caulker will hopefully be in the spurs first team squad where he surely belongs. Back in July 2010 I took a trip down to the cost to watch a pre-season friendly in which the Under 21 England international impressed immensely, playing with a calmness and confidence that could be described as King-esque. Last season the 20 year old established himself as a Premier League player, breaking into Swansea City’s first eleven and making 26 appearances.
So, should Mr Villas-Boas manage to overcome the stumbling blocks set in place by Jan Vertonghen’s Ajax contract, this signing would surely complete a very competitive group of defensive players for the coming season and hopefully put a stop to an injury plagued back line for Spurs.
By Scott North
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
