Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho can finally go all out for long-term target Toby Alderweireld. Ed Woodward has also given a green signal to the Portuguese to go ahead in his pursuit of the Spurs defender. The Red Devils have been poorly exposed when it comes to defending and they currently hold the worst defensive record among the top Premier League clubs. Jose might again re-ignite his interest on the Belgian defender and he can be a great addition to the side and can be someone who can bring back the stability of the side.
The Belgian center-back was surprisingly left on the bench for Spurs last weekend for the highly anticipated North London derby, as Mauricio Pochettino preferred the young Argentine defender Juan Foyth. The Lilywhites ended the match being second best and their defense were all over the place against the high flying Gunners and Juan Foyth was more than once out of position and it was a bit too much to handle players like Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
Alderweireld’s contract runs until 2020 and there is a clause in his contract to leave for just £25m next summer. So financially it makes more sense for Tottenham to sell him in January and hence there have been encouragement from the club for the Belgian to leave.
The Times reported that Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho wanted the defender back in the summer but Ed Woodward failed to get the deal over the line and now the Red Devils are paying for it.
Alderweireld who will turn 30 in March is still a great defender and can be the one to end Mourinho’s defensive woes but now the Red Devils must also think about not over-spending on him. The 29-year old is still performing consistently and he could be a very valuable addition to the United side considering his prowess as a ball-playing defender, something which Jose Mourinho prefers. Alderweireld may be turning 30 but he still has a lot of football left in him and if they are going for an experienced leader at the back then the Belgian might be one of the best options. He will also be an instant upgrade on the current defenders present at the Old Trafford and the United board must capitalize on the deal considering the defender’s woe with Tottenham and get the deal over the line this time.
Former West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop was shocked regarding the whole transfer saga as the deal was not made in the summer.
“I thought it had been done last summer,” Hislop said.
“It didn’t and as usual Daniel Levy holding out.But the clause in his contract says he can leave next summer for £25m. That is a snip for Alderweireld.He seems to be holding out, I don’t think he will sign for Spurs again. That makes a whole lot of sense given Manchester United’s problems.”
The Red Devils also have a lot of alternatives in mind stating with Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, Napoli man Kalidou Koulibaly and Fiorentina youngster Nikola Milenkovic. Among all these defenders Alderweireld can be the gamechanger for Jose Mourinho. The Belgian will be a lot cheaper option for United and he has loads of experience of playing in the Premier League and will be an immediate fix, so the board must give time and go ahead with their decision very carefully.
