Eric Dier update: Club says he can leave for free in January
Eric Dier's time at Tottenham looks as if it is coming to an end. A report by David Ornstein said the club is willing to let Dier leave for free this month to get his contract off the books. It seems to be the best solution for both parties: Ange Postecoglou has shown that Dier is not favored and now the Englishman can leave the club with dignity.
Dier had originally been signed as a defensive midfielder from Sporting CP under Mauricio Pochettino. Following the Argentine's sacking in 2019, Dier converted to center-back under Jose Mourinho but struggled to adapt to the position.
Despite a brief re-emergence during Antonio Conte's first season at Spurs, the second saw Dier exposed at times. Micky van de Ven's arrival forced Dier out of the starting XI, and even with the Dutchman injured, Dier's mistakes in the 2-1 loss at Wolves saw him dropped for Emerson Royal and Ben Davies.
Rumors suggest Dier is wanted by some Premier League clubs, but he was also linked with a reunion with Harry Kane at Bayern Munich. James Olley at ESPN said that West Ham were considering an approach for Dier, but he could return to Sporting, where he came through the youth ranks and spent over a decade before Spurs.
It would likely be best for Dier to move on from Tottenham. Despite being a loyal servant to the club, he has not impressed Postecoglou enough to warrant a position even in the reserves at this juncture.
It also doesn't help that at the most recent Premier League match against Bournemouth, Spurs conceded the minute after Dier came on. While the goal wasn't necessarily Dier's fault, social media still had a field day. With rumors about Genoa's Radu Dragusin coming in, there will be even fewer chances for the English international to play.
Many Spurs fans feel bad for Dier since he has taken the brunt of the stick from them for past seasons' defensive woes. However, Ange Postecoglou plays a high-pressing, quick-tempo style of football, and Dier's passing and decision-making aren't at the level necessary. He also isn't fast enough to get back when playing the high line, which is critical in a Postecoglou system.
Dier has been a good lad for the club, but he is simply at the end of the road at N17. Finding a new team would be ideal, especially for a seasoned England international who hasn't been called up since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. With the Euros approaching, he will need playing time if he is to earn Gareth Southgate's recognition once again.