Ian Wright has revealed that he thinks it will be disappointing from Tottenham’s perspective if defender Toby Alderweireld leaves the club in the summer.
The former Arsenal player shared that he thought the 29-year-old was the type of player Spurs needed to keep in order to challenge Manchester City for the title next season.
“There seems to be some stalling with Toby’s contract talks,” stated Wright on Sky Sports’ The Debate, as quoted by the broadcaster’s website.
“He might be getting to that stage in his career when he wants to get the next big contract and win things, I think it’s quite sad that Spurs might lose a player like that and he could go to anyone in the top four.
“You don’t know how bad the injuries are but he is the kind of player they have to be keeping if they are going to challenge City.”
Alderweireld has made only 18 appearances this season, with his playing time affected by a hamstring injury that he sustained against Real Madrid in November.
The Daily Mail previously reported that the Belgium international was set to leave the club in the summer as Spurs won’t meet his contract demands.
Wright also went on to state that Spurs needed to spend big in the transfer market in order to compete with Man City for the title during the next campaign.
“They need to spend,” claimed the former Gunners forward.
“But we saw Everton spend big, so you need to spend right too. That is going to be a massive thing; getting the right player.
OPINION
Alderweireld proved that he would be a big loss to his side with his performance against Brighton on Tuesday. Spurs may have only secured a 1-1 draw with the Seagulls, but the 29-year-old’s presence in the team made them look a better side defensively. Despite Alderweireld being back in Maurcio Pochettino’s team, it still seems likely that he will leave in the summer. Reports covering issues regarding the defender’s contract discussions have consistently provided bad news about his future and it’s hard to see how so many sources would be wrong. If the defender does stay at the club, it would make their chances of pushing for the Premier League title next season even greater.