Benfica swoop for Jan Vertonghen on a free transfer from Tottenham

Jan Vertonghen has been officially unveiled at Benfica as the former Tottenham defender puts pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Portuguese giants.

The Belgian defender’s future has been in the balance for some time, with the 33-year-old’s contract expiring this summer and Spurs seemingly unable to extend his deal.

Vertonghen was released by the club at the conclusion of the 2019-20 campaign, and has opted to take on a new challenge abroad in Benfica.

Jan Vertonghen has joined Portuguese giants Benfica on a free transfer until 2023

His exit from Spurs has signalled the end of his eight-year spell in north London, where he had been at the heart of the club’s development into one of the top outfits in the country.

Vertonghen made over 300 appearances for Spurs during that time, and helped guide the club to last season’s Champions League final, as well as consistent top four Premier League finishes. 

Benfica is the most successful club in Portugal, but were bettered by arch rivals Porto this season and had to settle for second place in Liga Nos.

Vertonghen’s arrival may pave the way for Ruben Dias to leave the club this summer. The Portuguese defender has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs and is regarded as one of the most highly-rated defenders in Europe.