Tottenham midfielder exit all agreed after Bentancur rumours emerge from Spain
Rodrigo Bentancur could be one of many players who end up leaving Tottenham this summer.
Tottenham still have a chance to lift the UEFA Europa League this season and hold a 3-1 lead heading into the second leg of their semi-final against Bodø/Glimt at the Aspmyra Stadion on Thursday (8 May).
However, whatever happens in Europe, Ange Postecoglou is still expected to leave Tottenham, and the Australian is unlikely to be the only person headed for the exit door at Hotspur Way.
Several players are likely to follow their manager, including a couple of midfielders.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg exit already agreed, Bentancur could follow
It looks set to be a summer of change at Tottenham, with several players facing uncertain futures.
One of those players is Bentancur, who is expected to leave Spurs amid interest from Atletico Madrid.
In addition, Yves Bissouma could be moved on, with The Athletic’s James Maw discussing the futures of both the Mali international and Bentancur while speaking on The View From The Lane (5 May).
| Tottenham | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Rodrigo Bentancur | 108 | 9 | 8 |
| Yves Bissouma | 95 | 2 | 0 |
Maw said, “There’s also a bit of an issue with midfield since Bentancur and Bissouma have one year left on their deals.
“They may be more inclined to extend with Spurs, but if you’ve got an offer for one of those two, given we’ve had all these issues with defensive midfielders and with neither of them looking quite the part in the longer term, I would sell one.
“Purely based on rumours emanating from Spain that Atletico Madrid wanted Bentancur and the fact there’s interest there, I’d shift him. Also, there’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, his departure is already agreed.”
Tottenham will need new signings in midfield
Højbjerg is likely a player who Tottenham supporters haven’t given any thought to since last summer.
The Dane is on loan with Marseille in France, with that move set to become permanent this summer, owing to a purchase obligation in the transfer agreement.
Therefore, with Højbjerg set to leave permanently, and one of Bentancur or Bissouma expected to move on, it looks as though Spurs will need to sign at least one new midfielder this summer.
The funds raised from player sales should help with that. However, Daniel Levy will want to avoid splashing the cash on an expensive flop, as he has done in the past.
Therefore, some clever recruitment looks as though it will be needed this summer, especially as the Lilywhites look to rebuild – likely under a new manager – after a dismal Premier League season.