On March 3rd, we relayed news from Italy that Antonio Conte has requested Tottenham Hotspur sign Stefan de Vrij in the summer.
Then, earlier this month, Gazzetta dello Sport reported the centre-back is ‘no longer essential’ and ‘seemed expendable’ for Inter Milan.
The 30-year-old’s future has been a topic of discussion in recent times due to the time left on his contract and reports linking him to Tottenham.
His current deal expires in 2023 and the current situation is discussed by Alfredo Pedullà.
The journalist provides a background into the talks between the defender’s agent, Mino Raiola, and the Serie A winners in 2020.
The two parties held several meetings towards the end of 2020 to discuss the ex-Lazio man’s renewal. They had agreed for a new deal worth €5m per year plus bonuses, but the Netherlands international has still not signed a new deal.
Before talking about his future, he now ‘demands clarity and would like explanations’ from the Nerazzurri as to why his renewal was not sorted out.
‘This step is fundamental’ for the Dutchman and ‘considers it a matter of principle’. Only after that, will he consider other avenues, where Conte’s side are among the options.
It’s claimed De Vrij is liked in the Premier League, ‘even at Tottenham’.
However, he is ‘fine at Inter’ and a renewal at the San Siro seems to be his priority.
However, this would only be possible after the Italian champions explain to him why his renewal was not sorted out in 2020.
