Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld has hinted that he will still be playing for the club next season – but should Spurs cash in on him with just one year of his contract remaining?
Football365 write that Manchester United have been continually linked with a move for Alderweireld, who has a £25m release clause in his current deal.
The 30-year-old has been one of the mainstays of the team since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2015, making 34 Premier League appearances in the season just finished.
His ability to play the ball out from the back and the fact he is comfortable on the ball, in addition to his ability to do traditional defensive duties, make him one of the best centre-backs in the division.
He has formed a strong partnership with Belgian team-mate Jan Vertonghen over recent years, and the fact that he is now entering his prime years make him a valuable asset to the team.
With all this in mind, manager Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to keep Alderweireld at the club for the foreseeable future.
However, the issue comes as to whether the defender will want to sign a new deal and stay in north London beyond the 2019/20 season, which could depend on whether United’s or any other clubs’ interest proves genuine.
If he has had his head turned, it would be wise to force him to leave this summer whilst they can still get a significant fee, rather than letting him leave for free in a year’s time.
With the money gained, Pochettino could recruit a younger replacement who could become a regular for the club for many years to come.
