Former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen could reportedly leave Benfica this summer, with the 35-year-old eager to play regular football ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
According to Het Nieuwsblad, the veteran centre-back could quit the Portuguese giants in the final weeks of the transfer window due to a lack of playing time, with Vertonghen playing just one minute of football this season with Benfica already playing five games this campaign.
As a result, Vertonghen is now looking to leave Benfica. and according to the report, English clubs are already looking at signing the former Tottenham icon, who left the Premier League just two years ago after spending eight years in north London with Spurs.
During his spell in England, Vertonghen became one of the Premier League’s best defenders and a staple for Tottenham in what was arguably their best ever period in the 21st century, with the Belgian forming a formidable centre-back partnership with fellow international Toby Alderweireld.
Despite not winning anything during his eight years in England, Vertonghen is regarded by many as one of Tottenham’s best-ever Premier League players, and with the defender now set to leave Benfica, an English club could now sign the 35-year-old defender, who has been sharp in his two seasons with the Portuguese giants.
Vertonghen has made 89 appearances in total for Benfica as the Iberian giants last season made the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, with the veteran playing every minute of the club’s European campaign, and for interested Premier League clubs, the 35-year-old could be perfect for the new season.
One Premier League club could benefit hugely from Vertonghen leaving Benfica
Thiago Silva has shown with Chelsea that age is merely just a number for some defenders in the Premier League, and whilst Vertonghen is not near the level of the Brazilian legend, the Belgian could be an incredible short-term signing for many English sides this season should the centre-back leave Benfica this summer.
After all, Vertonghen knows the Premier League better than most defenders, and with the towering Tottenham icon keen to leave Benfica, one English side could benefit hugely from the 35-year-old signing for their club on a one-year deal this season.
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