Spurs still tracking Sampdoria’s Joachim Andersen in case of Alderweireld departure

Toby Alderweireld’s future at Spurs is still quite uncertain.

The Belgian center-back has a £25 million release clause in his contract this summer. If another team offers that amount to Tottenham, they are required to accept the bid.

With the possibility of Alderweireld being sold, Spurs are reportedly preparing to acquire a possible replacement in the transfer market. According to Dan Kilpatrick of the Evening Standard, that replacement could be Sampdoria’s Joachim Andersen.

The 23-year-old Dane is among the possible replacements for Toby Alderweireld if the Belgian’s £25million release clause is triggered by a rival club this summer. Spurs are currently prioritising the signing of Tanguy Ndombele but negotiations are expected to drag on, with Lyon thought to be demanding in excess of £60m for the 22-year-old France international and the clubs still someway apart in their valuations. Andersen is also admired by Italian clubs, including Maurizio Sarri’s Juventus, but Spurs are unlikely to make a move until Alderweireld’s future is resolved and they have strengthened their midfield.

This isn’t the first time the club has been linked with Andersen. Spurs were also mentioned as being interested in him back in January.

The 23-year-old had another solid year in Serie A. He had 32 appearances as a key member of the Sampdoria squad that finished ninth in the league. Like Alderweireld, Andersen is a central defender who is also known to have the ability to pass the ball out of the back.

Despite this clause in his contract, Alderweireld hasn’t indicated that he wants to leave the club. He certainly enjoyed the magical run to the Champions League final last season, but he also just seems happy living in London. His wife has just given birth to their first child in the past year.

It’s not a sure thing that he’ll leave, but that 25 million price tag could be appealing to some of the other elite teams in Europe. Alderweireld is 30 and seems to still have a lot left in the tank.

There’s also the possibility that Alderweireld could sign a new contract with Spurs, which would get rid of that release clause.

But if he does leave, at least Spurs will have a few options, like Andersen, already in mind as possible replacements.