Tottenham Hotspur have finalised the signing of Jan Vertonghen from Ajax after the Belgian centre-half passed his medical today.
Spurs had announced earlier this week that an agreement had been reached between both clubs and that they were one step closer to securing the centre-half’s services from the Dutch Eredivisie side.
The highly rated defensive powerhouse had been a long term target for Spurs, with their North London rivals Arsenal also linked with the Belgian. At first it was believed that Vertonghen would prefer a move to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429, but a lack of first team opportunities
led him to focus on a move to White Hart Lane instead.
There were still many problems with the transfer, with a clause in Vertonghen’s contract proving to be the main stumbling block. The player’s contract stated that he should be entitled to 15 percent of any transfer fee agreed regarding his sale.
Ajax were unwilling to pay the amount, and Vertonghen was left in limbo as talks between both clubs failed. Earlier this month, the Belgian resumed pre-season training with his Ajax teammates, and it felt as if he would not be leaving Ajax.
Further talks however took place and a fee to bring the player to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 was finally agreed. New manager Andre Villas-Boas will be delighted in having landed Vertonghen, who is seen as a welcome addition to an unstable Tottenham back four, which was constantly
plagued by injuries last season.
A statement on the club's official Twitter account announced: "We are delighted to announce that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jan-Vertonghen-c17814 has completed his transfer from Ajax after passing his medical."
Speaking on his transfer, Vertonghen said:
"I am very relieved."
"It went on for a long time, but I'm glad I'm a Tottenham player right now and I'm looking forward to playing for the club.”
"I am 25 years old now and I feel ready to play in the Premier League. I heard that Harry Redknapp really wanted me to play for Tottenham, but now it's Andre Villas-Boas. To me, that doesn't matter.”
"I just want to play for the club and I hope I can please the fans at the club."
Vertonghen will join Gylfi Sigurdsson, Tottenham’s first signing of the summer, as the club starts preparations for the new season.
Tags: