While the summer window is closed with clubs no longer at the risk of losing their players, Tottenham star centre-back Toby Alderweireld has hinted he could leave the north Londoners should they refuse to hand him an improved contract.
The Belgian international has until 2020 before his current deal expires, but he wants to be “paid what he’s worth”, and won’t sign a contract extension except it’s a much-improved one.
Should Spurs fail to agree to hand him a better deal, the 28-year-old isn’t short of big-wig suitors, a lot of whom wouldn’t hesitate to at least double the reported £50,000-a-week wages the former Atletico Madrid man is currently on.
Alderweireld’s agent and fellow advisor, Stijn Francis, revealed to the Sun: “When you look at Toby’s statistics, they are impressive. Either he deserves an appropriate contract, or else he should be given a transfer.
“Seven or eight big European clubs are interested in signing him. There are not many central defenders around who can play like he can.”
Since arriving from the Vicente Calderon ahead of the 2015-16 season after a season-long loan at Southampton, Alderweireld has established himself as one of the best defenders in the topflight.
While he remains somewhat irreplaceable, Tottenham might have landed one in Davinson Sanchez, who arrived last month for a £35million club record deal should the Belgian stalwart get prised away.
Without a doubt, the 20-year-old Colombian is a great potential, but losing someone of Alderweireld’s calibre could deal a huge blow on manager Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.
If there is a key player Tottenham can’t afford to lose as they continue to come within shaving distance of the Premier League title, it’s the one-time Ajax man.
It’s high time the club proved their mettle as an emerging powerhouse by paying their first-teamers what they are truly worth.
