Tottenham supporters in the Transfer Tavern are very much looking forward to the 2018/19 Premier League season following the news that both Mauricio Pochettino and Harry Kane have signed new long-term deals with the club.
Argentine Pochettino took over as Spurs chief back in 2014 and has since transformed the North London outfit into one of the best teams in England, having recorded three successive top four finishes in the Premier League. At the same time, 24-year-old Kane has become one of the best strikers in world football in the last few years at Tottenham having scored a staggering 140 goals in 213 appearances for the club, with his tally of 41 this time round his best season effort so far.
And news that both have penned long-term deals has unsurprisingly been well received by our resident Spurs supporters, while reports that influential attacker Dele Alli is set to do the same likely to further delight those fans lining up at the bar.
And with an agreement with Alli close regarding his future at Tottenham, Pochettino’s side must now show the same level of ambition by securing an agreement with £36 million-rated defender Toby Alderweireld (as per Transfermarkt).
Ultimately, the 29-year-old’s future at the North London club has been subject to speculation for a while now given his contract situation, what with the defender out of contract this time next year, although Spurs do have the option of triggering another year yet it would bring into play a £25 million release clause.
Thus, it’s hardly surprising that chairman Daniel Levy and the club’s hierarchy have yet to exercise that option as the Belgium international is easily worth in excess of £25 million, what with the centre back one of the best in the Premier League.
Since his arrival at Tottenham back in 2015, Alderweireld has slowly but surely become one of the most dependable centre backs in the top-flight, with the Belgian ace playing a key part in their ascent to third place back in 2016, and then to second place behind champions Chelsea in 2017.
And in both of those seasons, Pochettino’s side had the best defensive record to underline the impact the 29-year-old has on their backline – is he really someone they want to let go, especially at a time whereby Pochettino has called upon Levy to be ‘brave’ in the transfer window?
Yes, Alderweireld wasn’t quite as influential this season with injuries and a lack of form playing a part in his struggles, but there is no doubting that he remains one of the best defenders in the top-flight, and the sort any side would want if they are serious about challenging for major honours.
And having shown genuine ambition in penning Pochettino and Kane down to new long-term deals, deals likely to bring with it a bigger wage package, and indeed one for Alli just around the corner, they have to show that same level of intent with Alderweireld.
What’s more, reports suggest that Manchester United are cooling their interest in the defender, which means that it is arguable the longer any transfer saga goes on, the more likely the Belgian ace is to remain at Spurs anyway – the club have to act.
Having done so with Pochettino, Kane, and imminently with Alli, Tottenham have to show the same level of ambition by offering Alderweireld the contract he deserves given his status as one of the best defenders in the country.
Tottenham fans… what do you think? Let us know!
