Elite Spurs talent next to sign up after Bentancur long-term deal secured
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to turn their focus towards securing another of their prized assets on a long-term basis, after midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur became the latest star to commit his future to the north London club.
The Uruguayan international recently signed a new contract, described only as a “long-term” deal by the club, though the specifics of its length have not been disclosed. What is clear, however, is that Bentancur’s importance to Spurs has been reaffirmed, with the midfielder rewarded for his consistency and leadership since joining from Juventus in January 2022. In that time, he has amassed 122 appearances and established himself as a key cog in Tottenham’s midfield.
Now 28 years old, Bentancur has experienced a career resurgence in north London, with his most recent campaign culminating in one of the proudest moments of his career. He started in midfield as Spurs ended their 17-year wait for silverware by defeating Manchester United in the Europa League final last season – a night that instantly elevated him to cult-hero status among the Tottenham faithful.
Reports suggest the new contract comes with a significant pay rise, moving him well clear of his previous £75,000-per-week wages. Speaking to the club’s official channels, Bentancur could not hide his delight at extending his stay:
“I feel really good and I’m very happy to continue my story with this fantastic club. My family are happy here, I have fantastic friends and team-mates who work hard every day, and I love this club deeply. Winning the Europa League was a fantastic moment, and now we want to build on it. With a new head coach and a new captain in Cristian Romero, I’m excited to enjoy many more years here and fight for more trophies.”
Spurs boss Thomas Frank – who is understood to have been instrumental in persuading Bentancur to sign – praised the midfielder’s commitment, calling it a huge statement for the project Tottenham are putting together.
“I’m extremely happy that Rodrigo has committed his future to the club. It shows his belief in what we are building and that he sees the journey we’re on as something really special.”
With Bentancur’s future now secured, Tottenham are expected to make Micky van de Ven their next priority. The 24-year-old Dutch centre-back has quickly become a cornerstone of Spurs’ defence since his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2023. His blend of pace, composure, and defensive intelligence has attracted admiring glances from Europe’s elite, with Real Madrid and Liverpool both credited with interest.
Currently earning around £90,000-per-week, Van de Ven sits outside the club’s top ten earners – a surprising statistic given his influence on the pitch. That situation looks set to be addressed, with Spurs keen to reward him with a bumper new deal to ward off potential suitors.
Tottenham’s wage structure has already undergone a shift since the departure of long-serving chairman Daniel Levy, who was often criticised for his rigid approach to salaries. The new ownership direction under The Lewis Family appears more flexible, recognising that retaining and attracting world-class players requires a more competitive wage bill. Indeed, new captain Cristian Romero became joint-top earner when he signed fresh terms earlier this year, signalling a new era in Spurs’ approach to contracts.
A fully fit Van de Ven alongside Romero has been hailed as one of the strongest defensive pairings in the Premier League, and fans will hope to see that partnership on display once again in Saturday’s league clash away to Leeds United. Romero faces a late fitness test after missing the midweek Champions League trip to Norway with a minor knock.
Frank preparing changes – and questions over Xavi Simons
Manager Thomas Frank is reportedly considering two bold changes to his line-up for the Leeds encounter, with supporters eager to see more attacking fluency after recent mixed displays. One of those changes is said to be a popular call among fans, who have been vocal about certain tactical adjustments.
At the same time, scrutiny has fallen on Tottenham’s summer signing Xavi Simons. The Dutch playmaker arrived with huge expectations, but his adaptation to the Premier League has been slow. Critics have pointed fingers at both the club’s integration strategy and, to a lesser extent, Frank’s management of the player. There remains, however, a widespread belief that Simons’ talent will eventually shine through once he settles into his new environment.
Transfer whispers – Spurs eye Real Madrid star
Looking ahead to future windows, Tottenham are being linked with an audacious move for a high-profile midfielder from Real Madrid. Such a signing would represent a major coup and further evidence of Spurs’ ambition to cement themselves among Europe’s elite. However, sources have also warned of two major red flags surrounding the potential deal, including financial feasibility and whether the player would realistically leave Madrid at this stage of his career.
For now, Spurs fans can take comfort in the fact that the club’s key performers – from Bentancur to Van de Ven – are being prioritised, ensuring the backbone of the team remains intact as Tottenham continue their push for domestic and European success.