Tottenham transfer news: Alderweireld extension, Dembele to China, Maja to sign? and more - 10th January, 2019

Alderweireld inks new deal, but could leave in the summer regardless

Toby Alderweireld has inked a one-year extension at Spurs

Last week it was announced that Spurs have triggered an extension clause in the contract of central defender Toby Alderweireld. The Belgian centre-back’s current deal was due to expire in the summer, but the extension now means he’ll be at the club until 2020 – although it contains one major caveat.

Reports have confirmed that the contract extension also contains a £25m release clause that can be triggered by any club during the summer transfer window, which opens after the end of 2018/19. That price sounds awfully cheap for a player usually considered one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and despite Alderweireld turning 30 in March, the likes of Manchester United – who were previously linked with the player – could come sniffing around again in the summer.

However, Tottenham fans could be buoyed by Alderweireld’s own opinion, as he stated this week that “I’m very happy to stay another year. It was [a one-year extension] in my contract and I’m happy Spurs gave me the confidence to stay another year.”

When asked about the rumours of his exit, he said “People can see that every time I play that I give 100 per cent for this club — this is what I keep doing every time I play. I’m only focused on things on the pitch. This is my fourth season and I’m very happy. I’m doing everything to help the team.”

Whether this means he’s willing to stay past the summer transfer window is anyone’s guess but Spurs fans can hold out some hope that he’s not looking to force an exit any time soon.