If Tottenham look to sell Toby Alderweireld, timing will be crucial.
Toby Alderweireld looks to be heading for the exit at Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
Deciding to sell Alderweireld is a big decision in itself, but after coming to that conclusion, an even bigger decision awaits.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy must weigh up when to sell Alderweireld.
The timing of his decision could define Tottenham’s summer.
Spurs must consider whether to sell the Belgian before the World Cup or after.
Selling before could see Spurs have to accept a lower fee.
Alderweireld will play a prominent role for Belgium and his price tag could rocket. At present it has depreciated due to injury and being left on the bench.
Spurs saw to their cost how a player’s value can rocket at a tournament with Moussa Sissoko.
If Levy wants value as he often does, the right move is to wait.
That’s the right decision financially, but from a footballing perspective it may backfire.
Leaving the sale too late could hamper the rest of Tottenham’s transfer business, with The Guardian claiming they must sell to buy.
Spurs saw in previous years with Luka Modric and Gareth Bale the hazards of selling late in the transfer window and this year’s early August deadline makes it even tighter.
Daniel Levy has a big decision to make and may have to break from his preference to keep the fanbase and manager Mauricio Pochettino onside, but will he really be able to resist his habits and risk selling a top asset on the cheap?
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