It looks like Jan Vertonghen is set to leave Tottenham Hotspur.
The Belgium international is out of contract in North London next month and with no new deal tabled, an exit is looking ‘increasingly likely’ according to ESPN.
With finances tough at Tottenahm right now, and with the likes of Juan Foyth also linked with a move away, it could be difficult for Spurs boss Jose Mourinho to sign a replacement.
Unless he doesn’t already have one, that is.
According to Football London journalist Alasdair Gold, Mourinho could use Eric Dier as a centre-back next season if and when Vertonghen goes.
He wrote on Football London during a Q & A on Saturday afternoon, when asked if the England international is good enough to replace Vertonghen: “I get the impression Mourinho seems to think so.
“The Portuguese raved about Dier’s performances at the back in the weeks before football shutdown. The player has decided his future lies there. I’m not entirely convinced there’s enough pace in a central defence of Dier and Alderweireld but the introduction of Sanchez or Tanganga with one or both of the older men could work with Mourinho working hard with them all.
“The more versatile Dier can also play on the left of the defensive duo and, to a degree, he would replace the experience lost if Vertonghen does head off. “
If we’re honest, Tottenham should be looking at proper replacements for Vertonghen, even if they’re on loan or Bosman deals.
As committed as Dier might be, there’s a reason why Mauricio Pochettino didn’t play him regularly in defence or midfield and it’s because he had much better options.
Hypothetically, Mourinho would be one big injury to Toby Alderweireld or Davinson Sanchez away from having to use Dier every week and it doesn’t inspire all that much confidence.
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