Could Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld leave the club for just £25million?

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News has come from White Hart Lane that Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld is stalling to sign a new deal with the club.

As reported by The Times, the Belgian centre-half is hesitant to commit to improved terms without the inclusion of a release clause, something which the Spurs’ hierarchy are understandably reluctant to include.

However, under the conditions of the existing contract (which at present runs until 2019) Tottenham have the ability to activate a one-year extension. Yet, upon doing so, Alderweireld would be permitted to insert a £25.3 million (€30 million) release clause which would become active that year.

It is a complex situation and one that Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to resolve quickly, with clubs already showing an interest in the Belgian, whose impressive season has seen him acknowledged as one of, if not the best, defenders in the League.

Spurs’ relatively low wage structure and comparative over-achievement over the last two seasons has ensured that their players will become targets for clubs with more lavish budgets. The 28-year-old has already been linked with a move to Manchester City or Inter Milan, with the Italian giants set to show a resurgence in the summer transfer window under new ownership.

Currently earning around £53,000 a week, Alderweireld will be well aware that he is underpaid for a key player in a side competing at the top of the Premier League. A move to a less stringent club would see his wages at least doubled immediately, and arguably provide a greater chance of silverware, something which has evaded him at Spurs despite two record-breaking seasons.

In fact, many of Alderweireld’s teammates, including fellow defenders Danny Rose and Kyle Walker, have become subjects of transfer speculation.

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The Independent has reported that Walker wishes to leave the club, having been dropped by Pochettino for both the FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea and Sunday’s North London derby. The full-back is himself on just £70,000 a week and has been frustrated by teams, such as Leicester, offering higher wages to their best players. Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City are all said to be interested in the Englishman, who could cost up to £50m and could all easily increase his weekly pay packet above £100,000.

This financial side of any negotiations will be crucial to the future of Spurs, who have developed so well under Pochettino. If the club is unwilling to alter its current financial strategy, it may well face a future without any of its current stars at the club.

Development of the new stadium is a vital aspect of continuing the club’s growth and ensuring a future among the Premier League elite but has been a heavy burden on the club’s accounts.

Tottenham are in a period of transition and should have a bright future ahead. However, chairman Daniel Levy must be wary that on-field progress can be quickly undone. Once players begin to leave it will be difficult to keep hold of others. Securing Alderweireld’s future would provide a signal of intent and should be the club’s top priority.

Feature Image: All rights reserved by Ludo Coenen