Exclusive: Tottenham think £21m star could actually become their next captain

Rodrigo Bentancur’s influence at Tottenham Hotspur has grown to such an extent that club officials now view the Uruguayan midfielder as potential captain material, with talks underway to secure his long-term future in North London.

The 27-year-old’s commanding performances during Tottenham’s triumphant Europa League campaign have cemented his status as a pivotal figure in Ange Postecoglou’s setup, prompting the hierarchy to prioritize contract extension discussions before his current deal enters its final year.

TBR Football understands negotiations have commenced to extend Bentancur’s stay beyond 2026, with both parties receptive to terms that would reflect his elevated standing within the squad.

The former Juventus star has expressed willingness to commit his future to Spurs, though sources indicate he seeks clarity on the managerial situation before putting pen to paper.

Postecoglou’s position remains uncertain despite ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought, creating an element of hesitation in what otherwise appears a straightforward renewal.

Bentancur’s £21 million acquisition in 2022 now represents one of Daniel Levy’s most astute pieces of business in recent years.

The midfielder’s technical quality, tactical intelligence, and growing leadership presence have seen him emerge as the natural heir to Tottenham’s captaincy should current skipper Son Heung-min depart this summer.

Club insiders describe Bentancur as having developed “a strong influence in the halls at Hotspur Way,” with his professionalism and competitive mentality setting standards for younger players like Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray, and Lucas Bergvall.

The impending return of Fabio Paratici as a key decision-maker adds another layer to these negotiations.

The Italian sporting director originally brought Bentancur to Tottenham from Juventus and previously attempted to sign him for AC Milan, creating a relationship of mutual trust that could prove decisive in securing the midfielder’s signature.

Paratici’s renewed involvement signals continuity at a time when Postecoglou’s future remains clouded in uncertainty.

Tottenham’s midfield restructuring plans further underscore Bentancur’s importance. While the club actively seeks to offload Yves Bissouma despite his Europa League contributions and pursues a deal for free agent Angel Gomes, Bentancur remains the undisputed cornerstone of their central options.

His ability to dictate tempo, break lines with progressive passing, and provide defensive cover makes him uniquely valuable in Postecoglou’s system when fully fit.

The potential departure of Cristian Romero and Son Heung-min this summer would leave a leadership vacuum that Tottenham’s hierarchy believes Bentancur could fill.

His composed demeanor in big moments and growing influence in the dressing room have marked him out as natural captaincy material, with club officials reportedly discussing this eventuality as part of their long-term planning.

Contract negotiations come at a pivotal moment in Tottenham’s evolution. Champions League football returns to North London next season, and retaining players of Bentancur’s caliber represents the first step in building a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

His decision to stay would send a powerful message about the club’s ambitions, while also providing stability during what could be a summer of significant change.

As Tottenham navigate this transitional period, Bentancur’s situation encapsulates their broader challenges – balancing immediate success with long-term planning, managing squad evolution while maintaining core values, and demonstrating ambition to keep elite players committed to the project.

The Uruguayan’s impending contract extension, should it be finalized, would represent more than just retaining a key player – it would signal Tottenham’s intent to build their next chapter around a midfielder rapidly becoming the heartbeat of their team.

With preseason preparations looming, resolving Bentancur’s future has become Tottenham’s most pressing off-field priority.

His signature would provide certainty in an uncertain summer, while his potential ascension to the captaincy could define the club’s leadership structure for years to come.

In a squad brimming with young talent, the £21 million midfielder from Uruguay has quietly become Tottenham’s most indispensable figure.