GOOD NEWS FOR MOURINHO

Good news arrived today for Tottenham Hotspur and José Mourinho. The Belgian defender has signed a contract extension until 2023, making him one of the most well-paid players on the squad. If he didn’t have signed until January 1st, he could have started conversations with other clubs in order to negotiate his contract for the upcoming season, making him leave the Spurs as a free player. It was rumoured that the North London club already had met Alderweireld’s terms months ago, but the idea of remaining with Mauricio Pochettino at that time wasn't something that the centre-back was looking forward to. With José Mourinho’s admission, it’s probable that the player did have a change of mind, deciding to renew his contract in order to fight for the Premier League title along Manchester City and Liverpool.

Spurs centre-back Toby Alderweireld on playing for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club:



"This is just the beginning of something very big."



I couldn't be happier. I am honoured to play at this Club."#THFC #COYSpic.twitter.com/cSetiSynr7 — Last Word On Spurs???? (@LastWordOnSpurs) December 20, 2019

VERTONGHEN UP NEXT?

Now that Toby’s situation is decided, there are still two main players who need to check their situation. Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen could pre-sign for any other club come January if they opt to not renew their contract. But both situations are different. Alderweireld’s partner on defence has been representing the club since 2013 and has openly admitted that his wish is to remain in London, even if clubs like Leverkusen or Roma remain interested in acquiring his services. Reportedly, unlike Toby, that wish still persisted even when Pochettino was managing the club. Negotiations are ongoing between the board and the player, and Mourinho’s stamp of approval should play a part here.

He actually signed the ting... ??????@JanVertonghen seems happy. Next up? pic.twitter.com/VUrNuOmRRM — Daily Hotspur (@Daily_Hotspur) December 20, 2019

ERIKSEN ON THE MOVE?

The situation with Eriksen is quite different. The talented midfielder was inches away of leaving the club on the summer transfer window this year, either to Real Madrid or to Manchester United, but the deal didn’t materialise. However, if with Toby and Jan their will to stay plays a big role on their contract extensions, the same doesn’t apply to Eriksen, as money and club stature could lure him away of Hotspur Way. One visible thing during this process is that the level shown by both Belgian players didn’t drop substantially, which was not the case with Christian Eriksen. The Danish had a very good season in 2018/2019, but his approach this year has not been welcomed by the fans. Does he still have time to turn it around?