Alderweireld’s desire to make Ajax return may see Spurs miss out on transfer windfall

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Toby Alderweireld has been linked with big-hitters such as Barcelona and Manchester United in the past but refused to rule out a return to former club Ajax this week.

The Belgian international’s contract dispute has lingered over Spurs for quite some time now, with Daniel Levy clearly more willing to cash in on the defender than to tie an aging player down to one last big contract.

Even with his current deal dwindling, Alderweireld would still surely command a bumper transfer fee if he did move to Old Trafford or the Nou Camp.

But if he made a sentimental return to Ajax, which they may only be able to afford if his contract runs down, the millions that Levy was hoping to raise as a result of the whole tussle will not come Tottenham’s way.

In that case, perhaps Spurs will regret not offloading Alderweireld last summer, when they had a bit more bargaining power.

If Alderweireld decides to plump for an emotional return to the Dutch club over one last bumper contract, Spurs will not get that bumper windfall.

Ajax simply cannot afford to spend the same kind of money. Moreover, they have a good working relationship with Spurs and are perhaps owed a favour after the signings of Jan Vertonghen, Christian Eriksen and Davinson Sanchez.