Tottenham Hotspur have beaten Southampton in the race to sign Toby Alderweireld from Atletico Madrid.
The London club has confirmed the signing of Alderweireld from the Spanish side earlier today. The player has signed a five year deal and will be joining his international teammates Nacer Chadli, Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele.
Alderweireld spent last season at Southampton on loan. The Saints were keen to sign him on a permanent deal but the London side won the race.
Alderweireld played 26 games for Southampton last term.
Southampton claimed that they had a clause in the loan agreement for the Belgian player last summer. However, the Spanish side had the option to buy out that transfer clause for £1.5million.
The Belgian full-back is delighted with his move to White Hart Lane as he said that Tottenham is a big club and he is happy to sign for them.
“I'm very proud to become a Spurs player. I'm very happy to be here and I hope to have a wonderful time with this team.”
Meanwhile, Vertonghen who was at Wimbledon Championships told SkySports that Spurs have added another good player.
"He just signed a few minutes ago, so well done to him. He's another good player."
Alderweireld is expected to move directly to the starting role as current right-back Kyle Walker was not upto his mark last seaosn.
The Englishman made only 15 appearances for Spurs last season in the Premier League.
Columnist: Simon Oates
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