Spurs star set to leave club for ‘bargain price’ this summer

Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld could be set to leave the club this summer due to his £25m release clause.

A number of clubs have already been rumoured to snatch up the Belgian when the transfer window opens, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United leading the headlines for his signature.

Now 30, Alderweireld has been a catalyst for the past few seasons in a stubborn back four at Spurs and has been subject to praise alongside his teammate Jan Vertonghen, with the pair also playing together for their national side. Alderweireld came through the famous youth ranks at Ajax and was forced into the first team when former fan favourite, Thomas Vermaelen, left for North London rivals, Arsenal.

Toby then transferred to Atletico Madrid in 2013, before a loan move to Southampton saw him highlighted in the current boss’ eyes during his time down south. Mauricio Pochettino soon left The Saints, as Alderweireld followed for a fee of £11.5m the season after.

Although his age could let him down for a move, Alderweireld has over 90 caps for his national side and has won a La Liga title, the Eredivisie three times, a Champions League runner-up medal and Spurs’ Player of the Season for the 2015-16 Premier League campaign.

Alderweireld has been highlighted as one of the Premier League’s top centre backs over the past couple of seasons and will be a bargain to anyone who activates the release clause. His departure could also trigger a move for upcoming Dutch star, Matthijs de Ligt who looks likely to be leaving the Johan Cruyff Arena at some point this summer. Would Pochettino’s side be the perfect fit for the 19-year old?

Featured image credit: Кирилл Венедиктов [CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons