Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has left the door open over a surprise u-turn for star defender Toby Alderweireld after seeing him remain at the club despite much speculation over his future as a result of his contract status.
The Belgian enforcer, who currently earns £80,000-a-week (source: Spotrac), was expected to leave north London this summer as he heads into the final year of his current deal at Spurs, with the one year extension in his contract triggering a £25million release clause.
However, with contract talks having hit a brick wall last season, Pochettino has not ruled out a turnaround in negotiations, although refused to comment explicitly when probed about the defender’s future.
He told the Daily Mail: “When in England the transfer window closed and in Europe closed I think we move on.
“Then like always I told you, I never talk about situations, that maybe yes or maybe no, the club is dealing or working. In that situation it’s not my job to talk about individual situations.
“I think it’s so clear, not only in his case, in all the players that have different situations, we are so clear, the club is so clear, when something happens we are going to communicate the news as soon as possible.”
Opinion
Well Pochettino has not turned his nose up at giving Alderweireld a second chance in the first team, so why would he not be willing to improve his terms and get him to commit his long term future at Tottenham? There is little doubt that the Lilywhites are a stronger team with him in it than sitting on the sidelines and the depth of quality in the squad is what is going to determine whether the club are successful this season. With the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen also battling for a first team role, or even playing alongside the Belgian in a back three, Spurs look to have one of the most formidable defences in the top flight. Whether Alderweireld is in north London at this point in 12 months time remains to be seen, but for now the fans, and Pochettino, can be thankful he stayed over the summer.