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Tottenham transfer news: Title winning defender issues come and get me plea to Spurs

By Rucker Haringey

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - JUNE 04: Joel Veltman of the Netherlands celebrates scoring his teams first goal of the game during the International Friendly match between the Netherlands and Ivory Coast held at De Kuip or Stadion Feijenoord on June 4, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - JUNE 04: Joel Veltman of the Netherlands celebrates scoring his teams first goal of the game during the International Friendly match between the Netherlands and Ivory Coast held at De Kuip or Stadion Feijenoord on June 4, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Joel Veltman wants to move to Tottenham

Vincent Janssen may not have enjoyed a ton of success during his first season at Tottenham, but that isn’t stopping one of his international teammates from pushing for a move to North London. It’s very obvious that Joel Veltman is desperate to play for Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs.

The talented Oranje defender even admitted that Janssen has joked with him about being club teammates this week. This, combined with his openness about exploring a move to a new league this summer, make it clear his days at Ajax are numbered.

Veltman only has one year left on his current deal with the Eredivisie power, but they have offered him a new deal. Unfortunately for Ajax fans, the talented defender doesn’t seem too interested in signing it. Instead, he is openly flirting with a move to the Premier League.

From the Tottenham perspective, signing Veltman would tick a lot of the boxes that Daniel Levy and Pochettino look for. Firstly, he’s a talented player. He’s clearly one of the most talented defenders in his league. The Eredivisie certainly isn’t as tough as the Premier League, but a Whoscored.com player rating average of 7.70 in 30 league appearances is still exceptional. He’d face a learning curve after moving to England, but his performance at Ajax last season certainly portends a successful transition.

Veltman’s versatility would also make him a particularly attractive transfer target for Spurs. Pochettino deftly switched his club back and forth between playing four or three at the back last season. He’s the type of defender that could play in either formation. Veltman served Ajax primarily as a right back, but certainly has the ability to play as a centre back as well.

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In fact, his best position for Spurs might be to play as a centre back in a back three. His acquisition could free up Eric Dier to move back to his preferred spot in the defensive midfield. That’s the primary motivation behind Pochettino’s search for a new centre back this summer.

Lastly, Veltman also could be a very inexpensive transfer option for Spurs. Loads of fans criticize Daniel Levy for being cheap, but his frugal nature has the club building a new stadium at the moment. The fact that Veltman is in the last year of his deal with Ajax will suppress his transfer price significantly. Reports emanating from the Netherlands claim Veltman could move for just £8 million. That clearly makes him a bargain.

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At this point, the Veltman situation is strictly up to Tottenham. If Pochettino wants him to be a part of next year’s squad, then he will be. Veltman has made his interest in the North London club plain for everyone to see.

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