Premier League shareholders have unanimously backed the opportunity for clubs to agree contract extensions with players who would become free agents during the resumption of the 2019-20 season.
According to Sky Sports, 57 Premier League players will be free to walk away from their clubs on July 1st as things stand, including Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen and, less significantly, Michel Vorm. The Daily Mail reports that the season could resume on either July 12th or 19th, and with nine games outstanding, would clearly overlap this landmark date.
This dilemma has been one of the main arguments for the campaign to be voided as UK employment law would not allow clubs to force players to stay until the end of the rescheduled season, and in turn, this would open up a whole can of worms about damaging the integrity of the competition.
Richard Masters, the Premier League Chief Executive, told Sky Sports: “What we decided today is to ensure as far as possible that clubs complete the season with the same squad they had available prior to the suspension of the campaign. Players can extend their contracts beyond 30 June until the end of the season, but it must be agreed by both parties.”
However, Sky Sports understands as of Thursday this week, that these contracts are free to be extended until the end of the season with the agreement of the player, although he has no obligation to do so.
This significantly increases the chances of Vertonghen putting pen to paper even for the very short term, as seeing out the campaign would give him emotional closure as well as a clearer picture of his potential suitors.
MORE: Would Ruben Dias Be The Perfect Replacement For Super Jan?
Jose will know which games to select him for and will also use him to be learnt from. He ain’t got that many high intensity games left in him.
Jan is in líne for a very nice pay day and maybe a two or three year deal, but it likely won’t be at Spurs. The balance of power has swung decisively in favour of good players whose contract is up.
Yesssss, sign it SuperJan.. Your club needs you. Prove all the doubters wrong my man. Those legs have a few miles left. At centre back.