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What’s the rumour?
As per reports from Metro, Tottenham are willing to sell defender Toby Alderweireld this summer. The player's contract runs out only in 2019 but Spurs want to cash in on him this summer.
In case you didn't know:
Alderweireld was signed by Tottenham from Atletico Madrid in 2015. The Belgian enjoyed a brilliant season the year before, on loan at Southampton, and Spurs roped him in for £14.40 million. He, along with Jan Vertonghan and keeper Hugo Lloris has formed a brilliant partnership that has been crucial to their recent resurgence.
The 29-year-old has 111 appearances for the club and is also a crucial figure for the Belgium national team. He is yet to agree to a new contract to stay at the club.
The heart of the matter:
The Belgian enters the final year of his contract next season and a contract extension by one year means a release clause of £25 million is activated. Thus, Spurs are willing to sell him for a higher amount this summer, around £44 million as per the same report.
Although the board wants the player to sign a new long-term contract, he is demanding more wages than what is being offered. It is very likely that Spurs decide to sell him off this season to get the maximum possible transfer fee.
Rumour rating/probability - 8/10
Alderweireld's situation has been a talking point for the good part of the season and many reliable sources are reporting that he may leave the club this summer.
Video: Alderweireld in action
Author’s take
Alderweireld is an experienced, proven defender and leader, and there will be no shortage of suitors if the Belgian is transfer-listed this summer. He will add quality to any team in Europe and Spurs will need to find a decent enough replacement for him. Manchester United, Barcelona and PSG are some of the top clubs eyeing a move for the player.
