Tottenham Hotspur are genuinely one of the best teams in England at the moment but the fact that the FA Cup is their only shot at silverware this season shows that Mauricio Pochettino still has a lot of work left to be done. He is already looking to add to his first team but is desperate to keep his first-team stars at the club, beyond the summer transfer window.
Spurs have already opened talks of a new contract with Son Heung-Min and one other player they are desperate to sign for the long term is midfielder Mousa Dembele.
Dembele To Be Offered New Deal
The Belgian international, who is easily one of the most important players for Spurs at the moment, is out of a contract at the end of the season. But Pochettino is convinced that he needs another few years from the midfielder and is reportedly ready to offer him a contract extension.
Reports from The Sun claim that Dembele will hold out for a pay rise of up to £100,000-a-week, which does not fit too well into the wage system at the North London club. So, should Spurs give in to Dembele’s demands?
Dembele And His Prowess
Having joined Tottenham Hotspur from Fulham in 2012, Dembele took his time to establish himself in the first team at the club but is now one of the first names on the team sheet for Pochettino. An exciting dribbler, who can dash past opponents with ridiculous ease, the Belgian is one of the most consistent dribblers in the top flight in England and has only gotten better recently.
He is not a huge goal threat but is capable of creating chances for his side from deep inside his own half. He has a wide passing range, a brilliant vision and is a perfect all-around midfielder, thanks to his aggressive approach and ability to win the ball in dangerous areas.
He has already made 169 Premier League appearances for Spurs and at 30, is one of the most experienced players in the squad under Pochettino. He has 34 appearances in all competitions this season and is not expected to slow down at least for another year.
Should They Meet His Wage Demands?
Offering Dembele a contract extension is a no-brainer for Spurs. But their wage structure could be affected if Dembele’s pay rise takes his wage to £100,000-a-week.
However, at the moment, Spurs need additions to their squad and cannot afford to lose one of their top players, especially when they are looking to challenge for trophies next season. At 30, Dembele has a couple of years left at his best and his presence in the dressing room will also have its own effects on the squad.
So surely, Spurs should do all it takes to extend his stay in London.