Tottenham have a few decisions to make on the futures of first-team players, with midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, star defender Cristian Romero and other highly-rated prospects tied down to new contracts.
Tottenham extend deals of highly-rated stars in boost for Thomas Frank
Luca Williams-Barnett, Tynan Thompson, Dante Cassanova, George Abbott, Yusuf Akhamrich and Callum Olusesi are on the long list of exciting talents who’ve committed their futures to Spurs this year, while more senior players have joined them.
Mikey Moore, Djed Spence and Cristian Romero have also put to paper on fresh terms recently, and the latter comes 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 deal was due to expire next summer, agreed to extend his stay in North London as well, coming amid his stellar partnership with summer signing Joao Palhinha in the engine room.
The Uruguay international, who’s made over 120 senior appearances since his move from Juventus, has been a key player for Frank so far, and the Dane is thrilled by Bentancur’s prolonged involvement at N17.
“I’m extremely happy that Rodrigo has committed his future to the Club,” Frank said after Bentancur signed his new deal.
“It shows his belief in what we are building here and that we are starting a journey which we hope will be really special.
“Rodri is a big part of 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 arrive in the penalty area, create goals and score them, too.”
Reports suggest that Tottenham are also prepared to double Micky van de Ven’s wages in an effort to convince the Dutchman to sign a new deal of his own, coming as both Real Madrid and Chelsea express an interest.
Micky van de Ven’s best games for Tottenham in the Premier League so far this season
Match Rating
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 WhoScored
However, despite their contracts expiring in under two years, the future is far more uncertain for both Yves Bissouma and Richarlison.
The former was left out of both Tottenham’s Super Cup squad and 22-man Champions League list, with Bissouma tipped to leave either in January or next summer once his terms run out at the end of the season.
Richarlison, meanwhile, has attracted some criticism for his inconsistent displays, with MLS side Orlando City already flying to London and holding talks over a potential transfer next year, even if he’s a “key player” for Spurs right now (Fabrizio Romano).
Richarlison has “already” held talks over Tottenham exit next year
This is backed up by former Tottenham employee and scout Mick Brown, who told Football Insider that Richarlison’s exit past the new year is a real possibility.
“If a good offer comes in for him in January, then I expect Tottenham will be ready to let him go,” Brown said.
“Given everybody’s fit, I’m not sure he would have a regular place in Thomas Frank’s team.
“Based on that, he’ll be interested in a move to the MLS as well, and I’m told there have already been talks about whether it could be done.
“If Tottenham get the right offer and feel they can cope without him, I’m sure it’s something that could happen when the window opens with all parties interested.”
The 28-year-old enjoyed a major purple patch midway through Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge, but his 2024/2025 campaign was marred by injuries.
Richarlison also bagged a brace against Burnley on the opening Premier League weekend, including a phenomenal overhead kick, which was an early contender for goal of the season.
Before the Brazilian eventually departs, with all signs pointing towards a 2026 exit, he could still have a significant role to play, and certain sections of the media believe he’s actually quite “underrated”, as Micah Richards claimed in 2022.
