Dimitar Berbatov has urged Tottenham Hotspur to replace Toby Alderweireld with Ajax starlet Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
Alderweireld is set to leave Spurs at the end of the season after activating a £25 million release clause that can be triggered before the final two weeks of the transfer window.
The Belgian, who scored an unfortunate own goal in Sunday’s defeat to Liverpool at Anfield, has most recently been linked with Juventus.
Tottenham are likely to buy a new centre-back if Alderweireld departs, which seems likely at this moment in time.
De Ligt has been mooted as a possible replacement in the past, and Berbatov believes his former club should make a move for the impressive youngster.
“Spurs need to go out and buy in the summer,” Berbatov said (via the Sun). “The new stadium will be a strong selling point for potential signings, along with everything else – the squad, the manager, the location in London.
“If, for example, Toby Alderweireld leaves, they will need a new centre-back. Matthijs de Ligt at Ajax would be perfect.”
De Ligt, 19, has emerged as one of the most talented young players in Europe since breaking into the Ajax first-team.
The teenager has made 43 appearances across all competitions so far this season, scoring four goals and reportedly attracting interest from Juventus and Barcelona.
Spurs will find it difficult to fight off competition from those European giants, but the Londoners may be able to offer De Ligt more regular football.
I, too like De Ligt but hate to find myself agreeing with Berbatov. I find his motivations suspect, but, I suppose as he tries to transition from player to pundit; he will make more suggestions and occasionally they may be suggestions I agree with.
Thank you for the tip Mr.Berbatov.
If you want to become a successful pundit you will have to do and know better.
No chance of this happening; he will cost far too much and we wouldn’t stand a chance up against the big boys and big spenders of Europe: fact.