Manchester City Transfers: Why Jan Vertonghen Would Be Perfect Fit for Blues
Jan Vertonghen is a wanted man. Tottenham look like the favourites to sign him (via Goal.com), while Arsenal have shown interest, according to the Daily Mail.
I can't work out why he isn't linked with even more clubs. The defender is clearly capable—as this slideshow will detail—and has the potential to become one of the best in the business.
Here are seven reasons why Vertonghen is a good fit at Manchester City.
Fits a Need
1 of 7Manchester City won the English Premier League title this season off the back of some solid defensive performances by Joleon Lescott and Vincent Kompany.
Beyond those two, however, the depth chart appears a little dry.
Stefan Savic has been rocky when given a chance and Kolo Toure is no longer an adequate backup option.
If there's one position City need depth in their squad, it's central defence.
Belgian Connection
2 of 7The transition between clubs for Jan Vertonghen—were Manchester City to target him—could be seamless considering the history he has with Vincent Kompany.
They partner each other in central defence for the Belgian national team and City's captain fantastic would make him feel at home immediately.
There would be absolutely no communication issues and besides, Vertonghen's English isn't bad.
Premier League Suitability
3 of 7Jan Vertonghen has looked at home whilst playing against Premier League opposition.
Take this example, in the featured video, of his performance against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League this season.
His physicality is good, his braveness unwavering. He's happy on the ball and uses both feet.
In fact, he reminds me of Rio Ferdinand.
Surging and Passing Ability
4 of 7As alluded to in slide three, Jan Vertonghen has abilities many central defenders do not.
He is unnaturally comfortable on the ball—a byproduct of coming through the ranks at Ajax's famed academy—and is able to influence games heavily from the back line.
He's not afraid to run with the ball, often committing himself forward when a pocket of space or channel appears.
This can be a real difference-maker, as a centre-back who's happy to move forward has the potential to spoil any strict man-marking systems an opposing coach can place on you.
For examples of that, see this article explaining how Pep Guardiola outwitted Marcelo Bielsa in the 2012 Copa del Rey final
Versatility
5 of 7Jan Vertonghen is worth the money because he plays in several positions.
He's a natural centre-back, whilst his surging and passing ability means he's happy in midfield too. He can play the anchor position or utilise a box-to-box role in midfield to great effect.
He even showed his willingness to adapt in England's friendly against Belgium, taking up an emergency left-back position due to Vincent Kompany's injury.
Roberto Mancini has a habit of rejigging his players during a game and versatility is key in his team.
Cheaper Than Most Other Options
6 of 7Let's take a look at some of the top-class central defenders on the market right now.
Manchester City don't have to be too careful with many, but there's no need to splash the cash when it's simply not necessary.
There could be several moves this summer, but almost every other centre-back would command a fee of £20 million or more.
Ajax are currently pricing their man at around £10 million with just a year left on his contract. That fee is definitely negotiable.
| Player | Club | Possible fee |
| Thiago Silva | AC Milan | > £30 million |
| Branislav Ivanovic | Chelsea | ~ £30 million |
| Jan Vertonghen | Ajax | ~ £10 million |
| Mats Hummels | Borussia Dortmund | > £25 million |
| Benedikt Howedes | Schalke 04 | > £18 million |
What's the most attractive deal here then?
City Will Trump Arsenal and Spurs in Negotiations
7 of 7Simply put, Manchester City can have him if they want him.
They will easily blow both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal out of the water during negotiations should they dip into the transfer market for him, and you can't see Jan Vertonghen declining an offer from the reigning Premier League champions.
He wouldn't play 38 games in the season, but he'd have a good crack at going all the way in the UEFA Champions League and picking up some domestic silverware too.
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