Real Madrid are eyeing a summer move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld. According to recent reports in the English media, Los Blancos are lining up a move for the Belgian defender in the near future but could face competition from a whole host of clubs which includes Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.
The ex-Ajax defender is yet to agree to a new contract with his current deal set to run until the summer of 2019 with a one-year extension option that is set to be activated in 2019 which could extend his stay in North London until the summer transfer window opens in 2020. However, his current contract with Spurs also features a £25m release clause which could be activated in the summer of 2019. This specifies that the North Londoners need to tie him up on a new and improved long-term deal but might have to consider moving him on next summer if an agreement can’t be reached by then.
Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid could look to make a move for him at the end of the season if Alderweireld’s situation at Spurs does not change.
Real Madrid are currently sitting in 4th place in the La Liga standings, a staggering 17 points behind their rivals and league leaders Barcelona. Zinedine Zidane’s side are in dire need of reinforcements in the summer as they look to bridge the gap between themselves and Barca in the coming years. The club already boasts the duo of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane in central defence but the potential addition of Alderweireld could leave them well equipped ahead of the new campaign. The Belgian has proven his talents during his stay in the top tier of English football and now, a switch to La Liga might suit his playing style.
The 28-year-old has been plagued with injuries this season and was excluded from Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League trip to Turin in midweek as he nurses himself back to full fitness. He has just made 16 appearances for the North London outfit this term but is yet to find the back of the net. However, the Belgian centre-back has one assist to his name so far.
Only time will tell whether he can regain his place in Mauricio Pochettino’s first-team and sign a new deal to extend his stay in North London. Otherwise, Real Madrid might come in to swoop in for his services in the near future as they look to establish their position among Europe’s greatest.
