Since the end of the Premier League season, it has been a foregone conclusion that Tottenham Hotspur would allow Toby Alderweireld to leave the club this summer. However, the big Belgian defender has had a tremendous World Cup tournament. He has shaken off all of the rust from injuries and poor form last term and helped Belgium reach the World Cup semifinals. Now, Tottenham Hotspur should re-think their plan to discard the centre-back in favour of Davinson Sanchez.
Should Tottenham Hotspur re-think Toby Alderweireld contract?
Tottenham have Alderweireld under contract until the summer of 2019. The club does have an extension it can activate keeping the centre-back in North London until 2020. The problem lies in the extension Tottenham can activate next summer. Alderweireld would have a £25 million release clause triggered which could see the player leave for a fraction of what he could go for this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur are in a position of power with Alderweireld. Truthfully, the club has no need to sell the centre-back. Alderweireld cost just £14.4 million from Atletico Madrid in 2015. If the club sells him this summer, it will make a sizable profit.
Even if Spurs hang on to Alderweireld, activate his extension, and his release clause is met in 12 months’ time, the club will still make a profit on the defender. It is a win-win situation for Tottenham. The club would be able to hang on to a proven Premier League defender for another season in which he is in his prime. Next March would see Alderweireld turn 30. Getting one more season out of Alderweireld and dealing with his contract in a year’s time would be more beneficial to the club.
In addition, hanging onto Alderweireld means Tottenham will have a player determined to play well to earn a move away. At least that is the case theoretically.
Spurs have one of the best defences in the Premier League, but allowing Alderweireld to leave would see the club needing to buy another central defender. Rather than replace a proven player, it would be worth it to keep Alderweireld another season and see what happens in 12 months.
What do Tottenham Hotspurs supporters think about Alderweireld?
Toby Alderweireld vs. #BRA
88% pass accuracy
100% tackles won
100% aerial duels won
10 clearances
4 ball recoveries
3 blocks
2 fouls committed
1 interception pic.twitter.com/H1RYD5lXLU— Spurs Stat Man (@SpursStatMan) July 6, 2018
Pretty confident the Spurs team left at the World Cup would have finished mid-table last season, even with just nine men.
Line-up: Hugo Lloris, Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose, Dele Alli, Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele.
— Rob Davies (@ByRobDavies) July 9, 2018
Toby Alderweireld is out of this world – and they wanna sell him?
WHATTTTT! Pay him the money, his worth every penny!— ..кєℓℓιє.. (@KellieWellieWoo) July 7, 2018
It might just be me but I’m starting to think that Toby Alderweireld wasn’t quite as injured this season as was made out.
— Mac (@Tweetgood_Mac) July 6, 2018
Should Tottenham Hotspur re-think Toby Alderweireld’s contract?