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Tottenham transfer news: Which centre backs will return next season?

By Rucker Haringey

MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 17: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid rises for the ball with Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 17, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 17: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid rises for the ball with Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 17, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 30: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Kiko Femenia of Watford during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Watford at Wembley Stadium on April 30, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 30: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Kiko Femenia of Watford during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Watford at Wembley Stadium on April 30, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

2. Jan Vertonghen-95% chance to return

Many Spurs supporters believe Vertonghen has been the club’s best player this season. It’s a completely understandable point of view. The Belgian has absolutely been Pochettino’s best defender.

In a strange way, Vertonghen seems to have benefitted from Alderweireld’s prolonged absence. Without his countryman on the pitch, he’s expected to initiate the Spurs attack from the back. He’s not Alderweireld’s equal as a long-range passer but he is an excellent dribbler of the ball.

The only reason Vertonghen’s chances of returning are slightly lower than Sanchez’s are his age and experience. Some European club might see Vertonghen as the missing link to put them over the top in their respective league. That could lead to Tottenham receiving a financial offer they simply couldn’t refuse.

It’s still unlikely though. Spurs fans can feel reasonably comfortable that Vertonghen will be patrolling the back line at Tottenham’s new stadium next year. The question of who will start beside him is still very much up for debate though.

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