BBC Sport pundit Danny Mills believes that Manchester United should sign Toby Alderweireld instead of Harry Maguire in this summer’s transfer window.
The former Leeds United man believes that the Belgian centre-back would be better value for money in comparison to Maguire.
Leicester City are reported to want £90m for the England centre-back, a fee that is said to infuriate Maguire himself as he seeks to move to Old Trafford.
The ex-England international was speaking to Football Insider, and he even broke down why Alderweireld would be a good value for money.
He said: “Let’s say he plays another three seasons, that’s around £8million-a-year. People are paying loan fees of £8million-a-year, he’s a ready-made player.
“It’s an absolute bargain. How Manchester United are not coming and banging down the door, how Arsenal are not banging down the door and saying we want this player, I have no idea.
“£25million for a ready-made centre half who is going to get you through the next three seasons and bring on other players around them, it’s a no-brainer for me.
“People will say you’re going to lose money, yeah you are but you’re going to do that if you bring loan players for me.” (Source: Football Insider)
Surely Danny Mills is completely right here. A move for Alderweireld would represent far better value for money, even at the age of 30, which makes him four years older than Maguire.
However, you can’t substitute experience for age. Alderweireld is a seasoned veteran across European football, having played in two Champions League finals with Atletico Madrid in 2014 and with Tottenham Hotspur last season.
As well as his club career, Alderweireld has been a stalwart in the Belgium side for a number of years. Alderweireld has made 92 appearances for his country, while also reaching the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
Alderweireld may not be getting younger, but with his experience, he doesn’t have to. He showed last year that he still has more than enough quality as he along with his Tottenham teammates reached the club’s first-ever Champions League final.
