Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino confirmed that the club would exercise a one-year extension clause in Toby Alderweireld’s contract. The Belgian has been a rock in our defence this season but his contract was set to expire at the end of the season.
The extension means the Belgian will be a Tottenham player until 2020 but now has a release clause of just £25m (h/t Independent).
The manager was asked about taking up the option and said (h/t Independent):
”Yes, for sure. It is obvious. It is the same situation as Jan [Vertonghen].”
The report adds that Manchester United were interested in the 29-year-old in the summer but could not finalise a deal. Alderweireld is one of the best defenders in the world but this decision did leave some Spurs fans questioning the management.
Toby could leave us on the cheap, which is not at all acceptable. A player of Alderweireld’s quality has to be kept hold of by the management given that we’re in the midst of a big transition and this decision comes out as a shocker really.
This news got many fans upset on Twitter and here’s how they reacted.
Toby is such a spurs 💙 Hope he can stay with the lads #COYS Spurs extend Alderweireld’s stay, but a £25m buy-out clause has sparked interest https://t.co/KtmZn3Eagx
— wennn (@sherzelty) December 28, 2018
Allowing other clubs to poach #Alderweireld on the cheap because you’d rather keep him on £80,000 per week instead of paying him what he’s worth. Fuck me, Toby is a world-class CB and we’re just holding the door for him to leave… It’s bollocks! 👎 #COYS #THFC
— JÆ. (@JaeDavies23) December 27, 2018
I know there is a lot of problems off the pitch (ongoing stadium delays), but it’s beyond me why Tottenham have not matched Alderweireld & Eriksen’s demands in regards to new deals. Really worrying because it’s clear they want to stay! Both irreplaceable! #COYS
— Harry Hotspur (@HarryHotspurWHL) December 27, 2018
Since Alderweireld has been back in the Spurs squad, there has been a vast improvement. It’s no coincidence, @SpursOfficial. Sort out a proper contract for another 3-4 years, and better pay. Show ambition! #COYS
— Harry Hotspur (@HarryHotspurWHL) December 27, 2018
A lot of talk about Toby Alderweireld and his contract situation. It’s just my opinion, but I got a feeling he will leave. Players want the best possible contract and Toby is world class. Baffled Spurs wont give him a contract that matches our top earners. #COYS #THFC ⚽
— Kenneth Pedersen Krey (@KennethPKrey) December 27, 2018
I’d imagine everyone of the top 6 will take alderweireld would be pretty stupid to lose him for sake of what extra 50k a week £2.5m a year. But it in no way feels like the disaster it would have 12 months ago 🤔
— TAS🔵⚪️ (@coys100) December 27, 2018
Give him the Contract he Deserves
— KaneEsque (@KaneEsque) December 28, 2018
Typical Spurs, know the cost of everything and the value of nothing.
— Gary Miller #FUEU✡🇵🇸 (@Gaz_Spurs1882) December 27, 2018
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