Alderweireld’s Spurs contract clause explained

A report on the ‘Football Leaks’ website that Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has a £25m release clause prompted denials from the club and alarm among many fans.

Alderweireld does have a fixed price in his current contract but it does not become active until at least 2019 and not at all unless certain conditions are met.

The clause actually states that, when Alderweireld’s current deal expires in 2019, Spurs have the option to extend it by a further year – and he would leave for a fee of £25m instead of on a Bosman free transfer should he not sign a new deal.

Tottenham would also have to receive that £25m offer from another club 14 or more days before the end of the summer 2019 transfer window.

Spurs are looking to negotiate a new long-term contract for Alderweireld, which is not expected to include the current clause.