Tottenham Hotspur have been expected to conduct a second-phase rebuild for some time. And we are seeing a bit of that already taking shape since the arrival of Thomas Frank, with summer signing Joao Palhinha alongside the young duo of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray already being part of what looks like a refreshed core.
But just as this midfield was taking shape, there have been the latest reports (via Fiachjes) linking Rodrigo Bentancur with a Bosman move away from Hotspur Way. Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are said to be in pole position to take the Uruguayan in 2026. Now this raises a crucial question about whether the North Londoners should cash in on him in winter, push him to commit to a new deal for one of the most experienced players in the current roster or let his contract at N17 run down.
Since joining Tottenham from Juventus in January 2022, Bentancur has been more of a steady figure at Hotspur Way (despite his injury concerns). He has that ability to get the better of opponents’ structures with his technical elegance. He is maybe the only #8 in the current side who has the capacity to beat his man with progressive carries or make a sequence with a web of passes. The Uruguayan is also someone who has matured to understand and dictate tempo when Tottenham are under pressure.
We have seen him defensively as well as offensively in the structural playing style that the incoming head coach, Thomas Frank, has deployed at N17. And this makes him a valuable part of the current roster.
For Atletico Madrid, they see him as an ideal midfield signing under Diego Simeone.
Should Tottenham sell Bentancur when the winter window comes around?
For the North Londoners, there will be a temptation to let Rodrigo leave given how he has also caused a few off-the-field problems in his years at Hotspur Way.
And then, to add to it, there is also the fact that the Uruguayan doesn’t even have twelve months before his contract with the Premier League heavyweights is due. So from every day now, the possible market value that the Lilywhites can attain from his sale will only shrink.
Tottenham have heavily invested in midfield signings as the North Londoners took this step towards moving to a younger core in the final years of Daniel Levy being at the helm at N17. The duo of Bergvall and Gray look quite ready to don that Spurs badge in the long-term future. And then Tottenham brought in Palhinha to anchor the proceedings for the base of the midfield.
So if from now until the January window, Frank feels that he already has the right blend of players, Bentancur could become the odd man out. And selling him or allowing him to leave (on free next summer) would also free up wages and potentially open the door for another big midfield addition (which Tottenham desperately needs).
Tottenham are showing ambition in the market with the likes of Morgan Rogers and Adam Wharton as possible targets before they are established. And a Bentancur exit could just be what this roster needs to upgrade into bringing a possible marquee player in that second phase.
Or Should Frank fight to keep Bentancur?
There will be another set of supporters who would be wanting the North Londoners to grab his signatures over a new contract. And scratching up my notes, there’s an equally strong case to renew his contract at Hotspur Way.
Given that what he brings to the table is complemented by the experience that he possesses in the midfield, it is quite unique. And the fact that Maddison is possibly going to miss most of the ongoing season. There could be a need for an experienced technical presence in what is still either a young midfield core or with players who are still adapting. This is exactly where Thomas Frank could rely heavily on Bentancur (especially in big games).
Moreover, this Tottenham squad doesn’t have a lot of players who have featured in the Champions League before, and offloading Bentancur now would put even more responsibility on Gray and Bergvall’s young shoulders. This can end up proving risky in a season where Tottenham would ideally want to announce their presence in Europe by going deep.
Author Opinion
The final decision could come down to what the Dane head coach is looking out for in the current and next phase of his midfield. If the former Brentford manager thinks that the likes of Gray and Bergvall are ready to take the keys fully, then letting the Uruguayan go to Atletico Madrid (on a free transfer or in winter) makes sense.
But if he sees that there is still a need to have a reliable presence who has that experience, then Vinai must move quickly to extend his contract at Tottenham.
