Tottenham extend Alderweireld contract, release clause activated

On Thursday, Spurs took their option to extend defender Toby Alderweireld’s contract until 2020, while also activating his £25m release clause for this summer.

One of Tottenham’s top defenders since his arrival in 2015, Alderweireld has been a mainstay in the starting XI when not injured. That first year he was named in the PFA Team of the Season as Spurs fought Leicester for the title.

The move makes sense for the club as he would have been free to leave on a Bosman had he not been extended. This way, if he does leave (and that is looking likely) Tottenham will still get a transfer fee.

Many Spurs fans have already resigned themselves to his departure with Manchester United having tried to acquire him this past summer. Any club wishing to activate the clause will have to do so at least 14 days before the end of the transfer window.

Alderweireld has been a key component of this season’s team as Tottenham climbed to 2nd place in the PL on Wednesday. He has made 22 appearances in all competitions this term, equaling his total from the previous season, which was riddled with injuries.

Mauricio Pochettino said when asked about Toby’s contract that the club would obviously extend the deal, as they did previously with Jan Vertonghen.

Spurs have already made sure a post-Alderweireld defense will still be secure with the signings of Davinson Sanchez and Juan Foyth. While these two are not quite on his level, they are players with the potential to grow. Alderweireld is also 30 next season. While this is not old for a defender per se, there is a reason why these replacements were brought in.

In the meantime, there is no doubt the Belgian will give his best for the club, as he has consistently in the past. Even after being frozen out of the team for a time by Pochettino, he returned to his regular level immediately.

Spurs must continue to get the most out of Toby if he is to leave in the summer. On the odd chance he commits to a new deal, this will only strengthen the squad.

For now Tottenham must focus on challenging Liverpool and Man City for the Premier League title, as well as hoping to reach a cup final domestically. If so, Alderweireld can leave on a high note with the best deal for both parties.