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Ex-Tottenham employee ‘said’ ‘key’ Spurs player once held exit talks

Tottenham have some decisions to make on the future of first-team players, with midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, star defender Cristian Romero and other highly-rated prospects linked to new contracts.

Tottenham extend contracts with highly rated stars to support Thomas Frank

Luca Williams-Barnett, Tynan Thompson, Dante Cassanova, George Abbott, Yusuf Akhamrich and Callum Olusesi are among the long list of exciting talents who have committed their futures to Spurs this year, while more experienced players have joined them.

Mikey Moore, Djed Spence and Cristian Romero have also recently signed new terms, and these come as a particularly welcome boost for Thomas Frank after the Argentine attracted summer interest from Atlético and Real Madrid.

Most recently, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, whose contract was due to expire next summer, also agreed to extend his stay in north London, amid his stellar partnership with summer signing Joao Palhinha in the engine room.

The Uruguay international, who has made over 120 senior appearances since leaving Juventus, has been a key player for Frank so far, and the Dane is delighted with Bentancur’s extended involvement in N17.

“I am extremely happy that Rodrigo has committed his future to the Club,” Frank said after Bentancur’s signing.

“It shows his confidence in what we are building here and that we are starting a journey that we hope will be truly special.

“Rodri plays a big part in that. He’s a fantastic midfielder who can dictate games and be the glue that holds the team together. He also has the ability to get into the penalty area, create goals and score them too.”

Reports suggest that Tottenham are also willing to double Micky van de Ven’s wages in a bid to convince the Dutchman to sign his own contract, with Real Madrid and Chelsea expressing interest.

Micky van de Ven’s best games for Tottenham in the Premier League so far this season

Correspondence note

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

8.08/10

Tottenham 3-0 Burnley

7.44/10

Man City 0-2 Tottenham

6.76/10

Tottenham 1-1 Wolves

6.72/10

Tottenham 0-1 Bournemouth

6.58/10

via Which side scored

However, even though their contracts expire in less than two years, the future is much more uncertain for Yves Bissouma and Richarlison.

The former was left out of Tottenham’s Super Cup squad and 22-man Champions League squad, with Bissouma set to leave either in January or next summer once his term expires at the end of the season.

richarlison-spurs (3)

Richarlison, meanwhile, has drawn some criticism for his inconsistent performances, with MLS side Orlando City already flying to London and in talks over a potential move next year, even though he is currently a “key player” for Spurs (Fabrizio Romano).

Richarlison has ‘already’ discussed leaving Tottenham next year

This is backed up by former Tottenham employee and scout Mick Brown, who told Football Insider that Richarlison’s departure after the new year is a real possibility.

richarlison-spurs (2)

“If a good offer comes in for him in January, then hopefully Tottenham will be willing to let him go,” Brown said.

“Given everyone’s form, I’m not sure he would have a regular place in Thomas Frank’s team.

“Based on that, he would also be interested in a move to MLS, and I’ve been told there have already been discussions about whether that’s possible.

“If Tottenham receive the right offer and feel they can do without him, I’m sure that’s something that could happen when the window opens with all interested parties.”

The 28-year-old suffered a major purple patch midway through Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge, but his 2024/2025 campaign has been marred by injuries.

Richarlison also scored a brace against Burnley in the opening weekend of the Premier League, including a phenomenal spot-kick, which was an early contender for goal of the season.

Before the Brazilian finally leaves, with all signs pointing towards a 2026 exit, he could still have an important role to play, and some media outlets believe he is actually quite “underrated”, as Micah Richards claimed in 2022.

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