Toby Alderweireld has said his performances prove he is happy to stay at Tottenham after the Belgian signed a one-year contract extension last week.
Spurs have taken up their option to extend Alderweireld’s current deal until the end of the 2019/20 campaign. However, doing so activated a £25 million release clause that can be triggered up until the final two weeks of the summer transfer window.
Alderweireld was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer but reports claim there were no approaches for the defender. He ended up staying at Tottenham, for whom he has made 27 appearances so far this season.
After helping Spurs to keep a clean sheet in Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg at Wembley, Alderweireld told reporters he is happy in north London.
“I’m very happy to stay another year. It was [a one-year extension] in my contract and I’m happy Spurs gave me the confidence to stay another year,” Alderweireld said (via the London Evening Standard.
“People can see that every time I play that I give 100 per cent for this club – this is what I keep doing every time I play.
“I’m only focused on things on the pitch. This is my fourth season and I’m very happy. I’m doing everything to help the team.”
The 29-year-old is highly likely to leave Tottenham for £25 million at the end of the season unless the two parties somehow agree terms on a new contract. Regardless, Spurs should be scouting potential long-term replacements.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side face Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend.
