Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Ben Davies reveals huge Antonio Conte influence on new Tottenham contract, as Spurs close on key exit

Ben Davies, Norwich v Tottenham May 2022

Tottenham defender Ben Davies has said he did not hesitate to sign a new contract following Antonio Conte’s start to life as manager.

The Wales international has signed a new three-year deal, extending his stay in north London until 2025. In fact, the new terms will see him go past a decade at Tottenham after his 2014 arrival from Swansea.

In that time, Mauricio Pochettino orchestrated the last big peak in the club’s fortunes.

Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo struggled thereafter, but Conte has set an exciting journey in motion. After guiding Tottenham to a top-four finish and Champions League qualification again, he has made six impressive summer signings.

As such, Davies felt there was no other option than to commit his future to Tottenham again.

“I’m delighted to sign my new contract,” Davies told his club’s official website.

“I think after last season and the summer this club has had, there’s no more exciting time than right now, to be at this club.

“I was enjoying my football and when the opportunity came from the club to extend my contract, I was more than happy to do so.

“I’ve had some really enjoyable times here. It really feels like home now and [hopefully] it continues.”

Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly close to sending young striker Troy Parrott on loan to Preston North End. The 20-year-old Republic of Ireland international is undergoing a medical on Monday as he looks to progress at Spurs like Davies has.

Ben Davies key for Conte

Davies has most often plied his trade as a left-back during his time with Tottenham. However, he has filled in at centre-back for his country.

And Conte – a lover of versatile players – has utilised Davies’ adaptability to make him a senior centre-back option for his club too.

At 29, he has therefore found a new lease of life that could extend his career. Davies has already enjoyed eight years at Spurs but said it is an “honour” to carry on.

“This is a significant amount of time in football, especially when a career is quite short and in football, people move around a lot and it’s an honour for me to be here and to keep it going,” he said.

“We’ve got a great group here. Like I said, not just on the pitch but as a collective and it is a very exciting time and in a season that we’re all looking forward to.”

Davies added that it is an “exciting season for club and country” given that Wales are at the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

Tottenham star extends stay

Davies has excelled for Conte and come into his own at centre-back. He is one of many players Conte has worked with, found a new position for and improved them.

And with his new terms, the defender will look to kick on and be a leader for Tottenham next season.

The key aim is to maintain their place in the top four, if not push on to greater things.

There is also the excitement of Champions League football and the World Cup. Davies will therefore be looking to hit the ground running next month, knowing his future and role at Spurs is secure.