Manchester United target Toby Alderweireld opens door to Ajax return with Tottenham contract set to expire next summer
Alderweireld has been at White Hart Lane for three years but faces an uncertain future in North London
TOBY ALDERWEIRELD has opened the door to an emotional return to Ajax.
The Tottenham defender spent eight years with the Dutch giants, making 186 appearances and winning three Eredivisie titles along the way, before departing in 2013.
The 29-year-old left for Atletico Madrid then had a loan spell at Southampton before his £11.5m move to White Hart Lane three years ago.
And now the Belgian ace is eyeing a return to the Eredivisie, as he faces an uncertain future at Spurs – with his current deal running out in the summer.
Alderweireld was also heavily linked with a move to Manchester United over the summer, but that failed to materialise.
He was a regular in his first two seasons in North London, but spent much of last term on the sidelines with Mauricio Pochettino favouring Davinson Sanchez.
The centre-half has admitted he is tempted by a move back home – but says it wouldn’t be for one final pay day.
Antwerp-born Alderweireld told Dutch media: “I would never say never to a return to Ajax.
“Of course the club is near to my home in Belgium, and I have a close bond with Ajax after playing eight years for them.
“I took part in winning three league titles with them.
“There were also difficult times – but I have happy memories above all.”
He continued: “If I join Ajax it would not be to take things easy.
“I don’t want to be 36 years old and barely able to run.
“If I go back I want to make a contribution, and not just in the dressing-room – on the field too.”
