Tottenham Hotspur fans will be excited about commencing their Champions League campaign this week, but there was more good news yesterday as Eric Dier penned a fresh five-year deal at the club.
The Englishman has established himself at the base of Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield over the last 12 months, and nailed down as spot in the national team.
The new deal puts Dier among Spurs’ top earners, with his new deal reportedly worth £70,000 per week.
The White Hart Lane faithful will be keen to see Moussa Dembele return to the fold after a six-game suspension, with whom Dier formed a sturdy partnership with last term.
With the financial effects of building a new stadium likely to hamper Spurs despite the fresh broadcasting deals, it is vital they tie down their key assets.
Dier was signed from Sporting Lisbon in 2014, with a reputation as a versatile defender who could be deployed at centre back or right back.
Pochettino’s decision to move him forward into central midfield has proven a masterstroke however, with Dier’s athleticism and ball-winning qualities impressing.
Elsewhere, new singing Moussa Sissoko has stated that he has moved to the white half of north London to win trophies.
Quoted in the Daily Mirror, Sissoko said: “I came here to help them so I hope we have a great season and finish top of the league. They played very well all last season.
“Maybe in the last three or four games they had some problems but they still did well, and they are in a good position because this is a young squad and they can progress.
“I am very happy and proud to be here and I hope we have a great season.”
Overall, Sissoko’s comments are pretty standard fare from a new arrival at any football club, though his past comments about wanting to join ‘beautiful Arsenal’ mean his relationship with Spurs fans might start on the back foot.
Finally, Alan Pardew has been accused of aiming a sly dig in Tottenham’s direction over their failed £15 million bid for Wilfried Zaha.
Pardew said: “I want someone to blow the doors off if they’re going to come for him, not have him go somewhere as a squad player at £16-17m.”
These comments came after Zaha scored the winner for Palace away at Middlesbrough on Saturday, but Spurs fans are unlikely to shed too many tears over this failed move.
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