Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of a return to the Champions League are fading quicker than supporters would have liked. But, there are at least a few reasons to be cheerful and none more so than with the re-emergence of Eric Dier.
There has always been a sense that the former Sporting Lisbon player was in danger of falling through the cracks in terms of player development. Dier was becoming a jack of all trades, rather than a master of any position.
Thankfully though, his pair of performances since the Premier League restart have signified that the role of centre back could be his long term calling. Mourinho has informed the press that chairman Daniel Levy wants Eric Dier to sign a new contract and that the player is now happy at the club (via BBC).
Eric Dier Set for New Tottenham Hotspur Contract
A New Partnership
Dier has been paired with Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez and on the evidence of performances against both Manchester and West Ham United, it could be that a new defensive partnership is beginning to blossom.
This is a partnership that could set Tottenham in good stead for several years. More importantly, Dier has the versatility to slot into a deeper defensive midfielder role. Therefore, this could free up transfer funds to be spent elsewhere.
With the England international’s contract expiring at the end of next season, it would have left Tottenham with a decision regarding his status. This is a decision that, if chairman Daniel Levy had his way, would most likely have seen the 26-year-old sold in the next couple of months.
Obviously, Levy has recently had to go through contractual games with another star. Levy eventually sold Christian Eriksen to Inter Milan for a fee of £16.9m. The chairman’s preference is to not allow any Tottenham players to run out their time and depart on a free transfer.
Mourinho Seems a Happy Man
With that said, a similar scenario now looks set to be avoided as far as Dier is concerned. When manager Jose Mourinho was asked before Spurs’ trip to Sheffield United, he had this to say on the matter:
“My boss Mr Levy tells me that he wants Eric to sign a new contract and Eric tells me he is more than happy here, happy with his situation, especially now we have a certain idea for him and the team. He wants very much to stay.” (via BBC)
The belief is that a four-year deal is very close to being signed. Mourinho has previously attempted to snare Dier to Manchester United; it does seem as if the emerging love affair between manager and player will now continue for a while longer.
