Vertonghen’s future at Tottenham has been the subject of speculation for some time as the team has missed out on Champions League football for 3 consecutive years. The Beligian international is keen to experience playing in the Champions League which makes a move to Barcelona an attractive option, such a level of football is guaranteed.
If Barcelona were to strike a deal with Tottenham then the defender would be replacing club stalwart Carles Puyol who departed at the end of last season. Although he may lack speed, Vertonghen has an ability to read the game and position himself effectively, qualities that seem more suited to the style of Barcelona’s football. With a pass completion rate of 83% during the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season Vertonghen appears to possess the perfect qualities to adapt to the Tika Taka style of play.It is also easy to imagine how the Belgian will slot in alongside Pique to ensure the Spanish clubs defence is as strong as the coveted attack.
The Spaniards’ new boss Luis Enrique’s task is to sign a top class defender but Vertonghen is not actually his first choice, in fact he is more of an alternative. The rumours surrounding the Belgian have arose because Enrique is pessimistic about landing his first choice defender, Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos, so alternatives have been chosen. Just as Vertonghen is not Barcelona’s first choice, Barcelona may not be Vertonghen’s first choice as his representative, Mustapha Nakhli, has said that “Several teams are interested in Jan”.
Agent Mustapha Nakhil is coy about the situation with Barcelona hunting down Vertonghen and he has refused to confirm if they are one of the clubs interested in the defender. If rumours are true and Barcelona are interested then they may have to take their place in the queue as many other clubs are poaching the Tottenham man’s signature too. Rumours say that the Spanish Giants are willing to pay €20 million for their ‘Plan B’ but if he is as sought after as his agent has speculated then Barcelona may face some competition to sign the Spurs player- only time will tell.