Tottenham defender’s release clause has expired.
Somehow, Tottenham Hotspur have managed to retain the services of Toby Alderweireld.
Ever since The Guardian reported in December that Alderweireld’s one year contract extension triggered a £25 million release clause for this summer, his exit seemed like a foregone conclusion.
This is a World Cup semi-finalist and Champions League finalist, proven in the Premier League, available for a bargain fee, where he could have doubled his wages.
One of the conditions of the clause was that it expired two weeks prior to the transfer deadline, and somehow that has passed.
Rumoured suitors Manchester United felt Alderweireld was not worth the investment at the age of 30.
That’s a questionable decision, but it’s just one club. What about the rest of the teams in the Premier League, and top teams around Europe?
No team triggering Alderweireld’s clause is bizarre.
Did Alderweireld just make clear privately he has no plans to leave, and wants to control his own destiny as a free agent next summer?
Was chairman Daniel Levy playing difficult over the legitimacy of the clause?
At this stage, the reasons why are unimportant. Tottenham fans are simply glad he’s staying.
As it stands he will still leave on a free transfer next summer, but Tottenham fans will hope that he can be persuaded to sign a new deal.
This is an unexpected transfer victory for Spurs and saves them having to splash out themselves on a replacement this summer too.
Here is a look at the reaction on Twitter…
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