‘Tottenham have zero issues for new Rodrigo Bentancur contract’ as clock ticks on deal
Rodrigo Bentancur’s future is continuing to cause a dilemma for Tottenham in the early stages of the new season.
The Uruguay international has become an increasingly important part of the team in N17 over the last few years, but could be about to leave on a free transfer next summer if the Lilywhites do not act.
Bentancur is out of contract at Tottenham at the end of the current campaign, and Atletico Madrid are showing a sustained interest in the midfielder.
The Spanish side could sign the 28-year-old on a pre-contract agreement in January, which adds a major sense of urgency to the decision-making for Thomas Frank and Co.
This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham scout Bryan King.
Rodrigo Bentancur’s age may be an ‘issue’ for Tottenham
Tottenham would likely give Bentancur a significant wage rise if he did pen renewed terms, but that is unlikely to pose a major problem for a club with such a large financial capability.
The midfielder has also turned in several strong performances under Frank already, so there are unlikely to be any question marks over his ability to continue to impact games in the Premier League.
With Atletico continuing to circle around a potential move for Bentancur, the Lilywhites’ stance on keeping their star hasn’t been overly clear.
- Bentancur has over 35 games of Champions League experience to his name
- He has now made over 115 appearances for Spurs since he joined four years ago
- He could now agree to join Atletico as early as January
Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that the former Juventus star’s age could be a concern from the club’s point of view.
“I love Bentancur, I think he’s a very good player,” King said.
“He came back from a very serious injury, and he’s always come back and shown his quality.
“He might not be the quickest, but he’s got a quick brain and two good feet.
“I can’t really see what the issue is with a new contract, apart from maybe his age.
“Then again, Spurs brought (Joao) Palhinha in, who’s a very similar age. You can’t beat experience, especially with what he’s done in the last few years.”
Joao Palhinha is not an alternative to Rodrigo Bentancur
Joao Palhinha has been excellent for Tottenham since he came in, and it is possible that he could be lined up as the successor to Bentancur when he leaves.
- Palhinha has won significantly more tackles than Bentancur this term (2.22 per 90 vs 1.36)
- Bentancur has completed far more progressive passes (4.55 per 90 vs 2.59)
However, Spurs must be mindful of the additional quality that the Uruguayan provides with the ball at his feet, and they have no need to settle for one or the other.
If they are to compete for trophies, then midfielders of their calibre are a must, and just one top-quality option will not be good enough.
It seems like a no-brainer for Bentancur’s contract to be extended, but Tottenham are running out of time to get it done.
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