According to Il Messaggero, Tottenham Hotspur will be willing to consider offers for Toby Alderweireld around €28 million. The Belgian has already agreed to personal terms with AS Roma. But, the Italian club are falling short of the defender’s €28 million valuation. The Giallorossi are willing to offer only €20 million. Either way, the departure of Alderweireld could serve as a massive blow for Tottenham Hotspur for multiple reasons.
Lack of experience at the back
Should Alderweireld leave North London this summer, Jan Vertonghen will remain the only experienced defender available at the disposal of Mauricio Pochettino. Colombian international Davinson Sanchez has racked up a lot of experience at the highest level of football in recent years. But, his lack of composure and occasional loss of concentration evidently suggests that he is not ready to take on the mantle of regular professional football.
Aside from these two, Tottenham boast the services of Juan Foyth. The young Argentinian showed immense promise during the 2018/19 campaign. He is destined to make a breakthrough in senior football this season, especially if Alderweireld leaves. But, at the same time, the Belgian’s lack of presence in the team will make it difficult for these youngsters to continue their development.
No options in the market
Tottenham Hotspur are running out of options for a central defender in the market. The Lilywhites were interested in the services of Matthias Ginter. But, their paltry €30 million offer fell well short of Borussia Moenchengladbach’s hefty €60 million valuation.
Other potential targets include Issa Diop, who is valued around €70 million. Even Juventus outcast Daniele Rugani is highly valued by the Old Lady. Besides, Spurs could face stiff competition from arch-rivals Arsenal. And Pochettino surely can’t afford to make a big-money move for a central defender if he is to continue pursuing the midfield duo of Giovani Lo Celso and Bruno Fernandes.
Risky times ahead
The likely notion of Spurs not being able to spend big money on a central defender means they will have to buy young, unproven talents or rely on academy players. And that could be a risky move as the club, as mentioned earlier, already lacks experience in the defensive department.
The North London side will be expected to compete not only for the Premier League title but also for the Champions League in the upcoming season. That means Pochettino must have at least four quality defensive options at the back. The departure of Alderweireld, in that regard, could rob the Argentine of that additional option in central defence. Hence, the Lilywhites must do everything they can to keep hold of the Belgian.
