BREAKING- 330games Tottenham star agrees to leave for free, as Leicester ‘lead race’ for £18m team-mate
Ben Davies has opted to let his contract with Tottenham Hotspur run out, planning to leave the club on a free transfer when his deal expires next summer. This decision marks the end of a significant chapter in Davies’ career with Tottenham, a period that has seen him become a steadfast presence in the squad. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Leicester City is in a strong position to secure one of Davies’ Tottenham teammates in the upcoming transfer window.
Davies has been a loyal servant to Tottenham since his transfer from Swansea City in July 2014. Over the course of his tenure, the versatile defender has made a remarkable 330 appearances across all competitions, contributing nine goals and 23 assists. His adaptability has allowed him to play effectively as both a left-back and a centre-back. However, in recent seasons, his game time has diminished as Tottenham undertakes a significant overhaul of its defensive setup.
Last season, Davies featured in 19 matches, with 17 of those appearances coming in the Premier League. With the rise of Destiny Udogie as the preferred left-back and Ange Postecoglou’s inclination to deploy Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero in central defense, Davies’ role within the team has become more peripheral. Despite this, his experience and versatility have kept him as a valuable squad member.
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, despite ongoing speculation about a potential exit, Davies will stay with Tottenham throughout the summer transfer window. He is expected to continue providing essential backup to Udogie and Van De Ven, while also offering his valuable experience and guidance to younger players in the squad. Davies’ contract is set to expire in June 2025, at which point he will depart North London on a free transfer.
Tottenham initially considered offloading Davies to alleviate wage expenses and generate additional funds for new signings. However, these plans appear to have been shelved for the time being. The club values Davies for his leadership and the depth he adds to the squad, even if he is not a regular starter.
In related transfer news, Football Insider reports that Leicester City is leading the race to sign Oliver Skipp, another Tottenham player who may be on the move. Skipp, who has attracted interest from several promoted clubs, including Leicester, Ipswich Town, and Southampton, could be allowed to leave Tottenham if an acceptable offer is made. Leicester’s financial strength and their prospects of remaining in the Premier League make them a strong contender compared to Ipswich, which is also keen to sign the defensive midfielder but faces fierce competition.
Leicester’s interest in Skipp is part of their strategy to replace Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who recently transferred to Chelsea. Adding Skipp to their squad would bolster Leicester’s midfield options and provide them with a promising young talent. Skipp, valued at approximately £18 million, could follow in the footsteps of Harry Winks, who made a similar switch from Tottenham to Leicester last summer. The final transfer fee will depend on Tottenham’s asking price and the negotiations with interested parties, including Leicester and Ipswich.
As Tottenham continues to navigate the transfer market and restructure their squad, the futures of both Davies and Skipp remain topics of significant interest. The decisions made in the coming months will likely shape the team’s dynamics and strategy for the future.