According to a recent report by the Sun, Manchester United are ready to make a decision next week on whether they would attempt to sign Toby Alderweireld from Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer period. The same source has mentioned that the Spurs centre-back has a clause in his contract which would allow him to leave the North London club if a £25m offer comes in for him in this offseason.
The Sun also states that the Red Devils are exploring the possibility of bringing him to Old Trafford but their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not interested in recruiting Alderweireld this summer.
Alderweireld’s Incredible Spell In English Football
The Belgian defender has enjoyed another solid campaign with Spurs as he helped them qualify for the top 4 as well as book a place in the UEFA Champions League final where they are set to take on Liverpool on Saturday night.
Alderweireld has featured in a total of 49 matches for Tottenham this term, making an average of 1.1 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 4.9 clearances per game in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored). His commanding displays at the back over the past few years have helped Pochettino transform Spurs from Premier League mediocrity to Champions League regulars.
The 30-year-old is also vastly experienced at the international level having represented Belgium in 90 matches across various tournaments. He has also scored three goals for his country thus far.
What Does The Belgian Defender Offer On The Pitch?
The former Ajax prospect is a very capable centre-back who can read the game well and can sense out danger quickly than most other defenders in his position. Alderweireld can also be aerially dominant at both ends of the pitch due to his commanding presence and incredible strength. However, at 30, he is slowing down with each year, so there is a concern over whether he can continue to perform at a high level in the coming years.
Should Solskjaer Change His Mind and Move In For Him This Summer?
The Man United boss will now have a decision in his hands on whether to make a move for Alderweireld ahead of the new season. The Belgian can still be one of the best defenders in Premier League football when he is playing with confidence on the pitch. Thus, Solskjaer should reconsider his stance on bringing the Belgian talent to the Theatre of Dreams later this summer.
