Tottenham have announced that Ben Davies has signed a new contract.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies’ current deal was due to expire at the end of the month, and he was set to leave the club. However, Spurs have confirmed that the experienced Welshman has signed a new deal, extending his stay at the club to 13 years.
Ben Davies joined Tottenham from Swansea City in the summer of 2014. He has made 363 appearances for the North Londoners to date, including only five appearances this past season. The 33-year-old suffered a premature end to the campaign after he sustained an ankle injury against West Ham in mid-January. It turned out to be a fracture, and he subsequently underwent surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign.
Only 20 players have played more games for Tottenham in their history, including Davies’ former teammates Son Heung-min, Hugo Lloris, Harry Kane and Eric Dier. After penning an extension, the Welshman told the club’s official website:
“Tottenham Hotspur really feels like home. It’s been a huge part of my football journey, and I’m grateful for what the Club has given me so far in my career.
“It’s been difficult over the past few months, not being able to help the team on the pitch in some tough moments due to injury. So, I tried to help the boys off it as much as I could, being a voice in the dressing room and around the group, contributing in any way I could.
“My heart’s on my sleeve for this Club, and I’ll give everything for it.”
Ben Davies is expected to be part of Tottenham’s leadership group
Davies has been a key member of the squad over the years, and his volumes of experience, along with leadership qualities, are considered important by Spurs’ management. At 33 and past his prime, the 100-cap Wales international is set to have a limited role under Roberto De Zerbi next season.
Tottenham are undergoing a defensive revamp, having already announced Andy Robertson’s capture on a free from Liverpool. With Marcos Senesi to follow, and talks with Brighton for Jan Paul van Hecke going on, Spurs are going to have a new-look backline next term. As such, Davies’ game time will be further reduced, but his role as a leader and seasoned campaigner will only grow.
De Zerbi credited the versatile defender’s contribution off the field in making Tottenham’s survival possible on the final day of the season. This speaks volumes about Davies’ personality and presence within the squad, and exactly why the club have decided to hand him a contract extension.
