Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan believes that Tottenham are in danger of losing talented defender Japhet Tanganga this summer.
The England U20 international has been given the opportunity under Jose Mourinho to show how good he is on the biggest stage. So far, the defender has racked up over 500 minutes in his first six games in the Premier League and looks to have won over the Spurs faithful with his performances.
Labelled as a “wonderkid“, the Portuguese tactician has high hopes for the Englishman, as he looks to cement a place in the starting lineup.
Tanganga, who is valued at £7.2m by TransferMarkt, could leave the club in the summer if he is not guaranteed first-team football. That is what Whelan told Football Insider as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
“A good player”, he said. “He is young and still has a lot to learn but I would be very surprised if they did not offer him an extension. However, the player needs to want that as well.
Should Japhet Tanganga be starting for Spurs?
Yes
No
“He might have offers from other places and his agent might be working hard behind the scenes.
“A contract with another club might guarantee him regular football. How often will he play for Tottenham? No matter how much of a good player he is, is he a first-team player for Jose next season or are they going to want bigger and better?
“He will not want to be on the bench or player under-23s when hee can be a star player at another club.”
Whelan does raise some good points here. While Tanganga has been receiving waves of praise from both pundits and fans, his ambitions will naturally aim higher because he will understand how good he is and how much better he can be.
As a result, the prospect of leaving could be tempting. However, what young player would walk away from the opportunity of working with one of the best managers in the world in Mourinho?
Whelan himself previously said that he deserves a pay rise, and I agree with him. Although his salary is unknown, the 19-year-old should be handed a new deal and it would be a disgrace if he was let go in the summer.