Spurs open initial talks with midfielder for new contract | OneFootball

According to a report from journalist Sami Mokbel, Tottenham Hotspur have opened “preliminary talks” regarding the extension of midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur’s contract at the club.

Spurs begin preliminary talks with Rodrigo Bentancur over new contract

Although he is not out of contract this coming summer, his existing deal does expire in the summer of 2026, so with under 18 months remaining, we can expect something sooner rather than later. With twelve months remaining this summer, it feels like the club would want to either extend his contract, or cash in whilst they are still able to.

So far this season, Bentancur has played in 16 Premier League games, starting 13 of those. That number would have probably been more if not for the ban — you get the feeling that, when available, Ange trusts him as his pivot over Yves Bissouma.

The win over Manchester United last week probably summed up the midfielder well. On the ball he was cool and calm, often evading the United press. Off the ball, he was often overran, which contributed to Ruben Amorim’s side being able to create chances.

He is a good player, there is little doubt about that. However, he is not a defensive midfielder. It has been said so many times before, but Spurs desperately need a player in there who can put out fires. It is a player needed in any team, but particularly to balance things in a system as offensive minded as Spurs’.

Interestingly, Bissouma will also have 12 months remaining on his contract this summer. Again, another player who is not an out and out defensive midfielder. Will Spurs keep both players, whilst signing a natural fit on top? That wouldn’t be terrible, but is it realistic? Will one have to leave for it to happen? If one had to leave, it should be the Malian international.

Whilst Bentancur is not without faults of his own, Bissouma has shown time and time again that he cannot be trusted. He is 28-years old, the peak of his career, and skipper for his national team — yet Ange has not given him the armband once. That is pretty telling. This is not to attack the player, rather just objectively analysing the situation.

Overall verdict would be that this is fine, as long as it comes as well as the signing of a pure defensive midfielder, rather than instead of. If that is the case, then it is hard to have much issue. Don’t see why both an extension for Bentancur and the signing of a six can’t happen, but let’s see.