One of the biggest mysteries this summer is how Toby Alderweireld is still at Tottenham, despite having a £25million release clause in his contract. However, it seems that clubs have missed out on snapping up the 30-year-old as the clause has now expired.
One of the best centre-backs in the Premier League
The Belgium international has been one of the most reliable centre-backs in the Premier League, despite injury problems and falling out of favour with the club from north London after contract negotiations broke down.
Prior to his problems in north London, he formed a solid central defensive partnership with Belgian international teammate Jan Vertonghen. Some believed they were the best defensive partnership in the English top-flight, with Alderweireld contributing a lot to the partnership.
Factors in Alderweireld still being at Spurs
Alderweireld has every attribute of a very good centre-back and it is a strange situation that nobody activated his release clause. There are a few factors in the centre-back still being with the club from north London.
One of the biggest factors in Alderweireld’s current situation is his age. At 30, he is not considered old for a centre-back. The Belgian could play on for five or more years realistically at the top level of the game. However, some clubs will be reluctant to sign a player of his age due to the fact there is no sell-on value.
One of the clubs linked with a move for the centre-back in recent seasons is Manchester United. Instead of returning to renew their interest in Alderweireld the Red Devils have spent weeks pining over Leicester’s Harry Maguire.
United have still not agreed a deal for the England international for the big centre-back. However, the 26-year-old is odds of 1/5 to be a United player by the time the transfer window shuts. Many United fans would have preferred the signing of the Belgian star than the England international, despite his age.
I am sure Alderweireld would have been open to the move to Old Trafford. He would certainly have made the Red Devils defence far more solid.
One of the other factors in no club activating the clause is that the Belgian will be available as a free agent next summer. Italian club Roma have also shown an interest in signing the centre-back. However, it looks more likely that the Italian club will wait until the summer and snap up the centre-back on a free.
Looks set to stay at Tottenham
It now seems likely that Toby Alderweireld will stay in north London until next summer at least. There is a chance that Spurs may let the centre-back leave for a cut-price fee and avoid losing the defender for nothing. However, at this point, it seems unlikely.
Instead, Alderweireld could have a big part to play in Spurs’ challenge for the Premier League title, which they are odds of 16/1 to win. If Alderweireld stays fit and produces his top form, then he could re crucial for Tottenham next season.
I am sure the Belgian centre-back will prove his worth to the north London club next season and then move on next summer.
Why did no club activate the clause in Alderweireld’s contract?
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