Transfer News: Alan Hutton claims that Stefan de Vrij ‘ticks all the boxes’ for Tottenham Hotspur
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton has claimed that Spurs should sign Inter Milan centre-back Stefan de Vrij as he ‘ticks all the boxes’ and in the process reunite the defender with manager Antonio Conte.
De Vrij was crucial for Conte during his time as Inter manager where they won the Serie A together. The 30-year-old has been recently linked with a move to north London.
Speaking on Football Insider (h/t Express), Hutton claimed that the Dutch international would be an upgrade to Clement Lenglet.
“I think so [De Vrij would be an upgrade on Lenglet]. That has obviously been the guy that Conte has wanted for a long time. He has worked under him, they have won the league together in Italy. To bring him in would be good for Conte because he has been trying for a long time.”
3 more points⚫️🔵
— Stefan de Vrij (@Stefandevrij) August 31, 2022
Altri 3 punti⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/IGZMblqfNk
“I think it is an upgrade on what they already have there in Lenglet. I think he is a better option. He is used to playing that formation so ticks all the boxes. I think if they could get that over the line it would definitely improve them as a whole.”
Lenglet was signed from Barcelona on loan this summer and he has competed for a place against Ben Davies on the left side of the preferred three-man defence. Spurs don’t have any obligation to buy him at the end of the season and are likely to exercise this option.
There is a lack of depth in defence currently in north London. Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga have failed to impress this season, while the regular centre-backs cannot be expected to start in all the games going ahead.
De Vrij has been a regular for Inter this season, playing in 16 games for them in all competitions. The 30-year-old sees his current contract expire at the end of the season and will be available for a cut-fee price next month.
While he seems to be a good option to have in the team, his age is a catching point. The player will be 31 in February and while others have been investing in young players, it would not make much sense for us to do the opposite.
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However, this has not stopped Conte who bought in 33-year-old Ivan Perisic this summer. The Croatian has been fantastic for us and maybe De Vrij could do the same for our defence, should he make the move.
