It looks like http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jan-Vertonghen-c17814 won’t be joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer as Ajax coach Frank de Boer confirmed on Monday that the Belgian centre back has joined his teammates in their preparations for the new Eredivisie season.
It is believed that financial agreements with the North London club had failed to reach a conclusion.
Vertonghen entered the limelight after his solid defensive performances for Ajax, which led them to back-to-back Eredivisie titles after having failed to win it since 2004. Vertonghen has made 155 appearances for the club and has netted 23 times, which is
a very impressive record for a centre half.
The Belgian had publicly stated his interest in joining the North London outfit, but there was a problem regarding a certain clause in his contract which entitles Vertonghen to 15 percent of any transfer fee involved in his sale. Apparently, the club could
not reach an agreement with their player regarding this clause since they considered the 15 percent commission too high and unreasonable.
There is also an issue with Ajax’s 15 million valuation of Vertonghen, which is deemed too high by Spurs.
"Last week we’ve talked with Jan [Vertonghen] and his manager and everyone is now up to date," De Boer was quoted to have said as he spoke to reporters.
"Because Ajax and Tottenham have not agreed yet, Jan starts with us today."
Vertonghen is apparently still looking forward to a move to White Hart Lane, but insists that he is currently focused on Ajax and will wait until something is agreed between both clubs.
Speaking to a Dutch newspaper, Vertonghen said: "As it looks now, I'll be at Ajax on July 2. I'm hoping for a solution, but I'm not expecting a solution. This is a shame. I thought that it would be sorted out much sooner."
"I have one advantage: Ajax have got a good coach who knows me. I play in a good, stable squad. Let's become champions with Ajax for the third time in a row."
For now, it looks like the transfer saga has yet to reach a conclusion as Vertonghen faces increasing uncertainty about his future.
Where the Belgian centre half will end up this season remains to be seen.
Tags: