According to Goal, Manchester United have agreed on a deal in principle with Tottenham Hotspur to bring Toby Alderweireld to the Theatre of Dreams. But Spurs have refused to go through with the transfer until they bring in a replacement for the 29-year-old centre back.
United have had a frustrating transfer window till now and Mourinho has repeatedly voiced his concerns over the transfer activity or the lack of it by the club. Alderweireld has been Jose Mourinho’s primary target amidst talks of moves for Harry Maguire, Yerry Mina and Jerome Boateng.
As expected, Daniel Levy has played hardball over any potential deal for the talented Belgian centre back. However, fears are growing in the Spurs camp that they might lose him for just £25m, according to his release clause which will get activated next year which might force Levy to cash in on him this summer.
Alderweireld: Style of Play
Alderweireld is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. He is a defender who is especially known for his ball playing ability and his penchant for finding the attacking players with accurate long balls.
The Ajax youth product is calm and composed when playing out from the back and does not make unnecessary clearances. The Belgian has excellent positional sense and always seems to be in the right position to thwart attacks. Alderweireld has incredible concentration and does not make silly errors which could hurt his team.
The big Belgian is dominant in the air and seems unfazed while playing against physically strong and robust strikers. His reading of the game is commendable and he never lunges into tackles. He is well versed in Premier League football and will be an absolutely smashing buy if Jose can land him in the next couple of days.
How will he fit in at United?
The Red Devils have lacked a defensive leader since the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Jose has attempted to solve the issue by bringing in Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof.
However, Eric Bailly has had his share of injury concerns while Lindelof struggled to adapt to the Premier League in his first season. Signing Alderweireld would be a huge statement of intent and would provide the perfect defensive platform for a title challenge.
Mourinho could go with a 3-5-2 formation with a back three of Alderweireld, Bailly and Lindelof and as we know there is no conventional right-winger in this formation, thus it would amount to killing two birds with one stone considering the right flank has also been a major problem.
The signing of Alderweireld will make United stronger and his signature should be a priority going into the final days of the transfer window.
