Toby Alderweireld has been a key player for Tottenham Hotspur this season.
Darren Bent has claimed that Tottenham ‘can cope without’ defender Toby Alderweireld if another club meets his reported £25 million release clause in the summer.
Spurs confirmed on their official website that they have activated the option to extend the 29-year-old’s contract at the club until 2020.
But it has been reported by the Mirror that following that move it means Alderweireld will now be available for £25 million in the summer due to a clause in his deal.
The Belgium international has been a pivotal part in Spurs’ rise under Mauricio Pochettino in recent seasons as he has been a rock at the heart of the club’s defence.
Former Premier League hitman Bent claimed that Spurs would be able to perform without Alderweireld’s services, comments that would surprise the fans given the importance the Belgian holds on the team.
“I do quite like Davinson Sanchez and Vertonghen, these guys can do it,” Bent told Sky Sports News on 03/01/2019 at 7:20 pm. “They have got players to replace him [Alderweireld].
“He’s a massive key for them, but I don’t think it’s as important as keeping Christian Eriksen because I feel they can cope without Alderweireld. With Sanchez and Vertonghen, they have still got a good back four, Trippier [and] Davies or Rose and the goalkeeper.”
Alderweireld moved to White Hart Lane during the summer of 2015 after the Atletico Madrid man had a successful loan spell at Southampton.
During his time in north London, the ball playing defender has played 135 games for the club, including 19 Premier League games during this campaign.
Pochettino’s side have kept nine clean sheets in the league whilst he has been on the field of play this season, including during their 3-0 win at Cardiff on New Year’s Day.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
