Most players on the Atlético Madrid squad would be loath to depart the defending La Liga champions and last year’s European Cup runners-up, but Toby Alderweireld is a special case. A first-choice defender for Belgium, Alderweireld has consistently found himself blocked at club level by the center back duo of Diego Godin and Miranda and even his secondary position at right back is occupied by Juanfran. Alderweireld needs playing time, and he’s willing to sacrifice Champions League football to get it.
Toby Alderweireld set to join Southampton?
Ronald Martinez
Although the 25-year-old has been targeted by Newcastle United, reports from Belgium are claiming that he'll join Southampton on loan instead:
Atlético Madrid and Southampton agreed terms on Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld. He'll sign tomorrow (by: @svenclaes)
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) August 31, 2014 Southampton will sign Toby Alderweireld on a 1 year loan. #saintsfc
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) August 31, 2014 It's a good signing for the Saints, who sold center half Dejan Lovren to Liverpool earlier in the transfer window. With a one-year loan deal for Alderweireld, they won't see too much of a drop-off on defense, and considering how much money they made on the Lovren deal, you'd have to imagine that if they can pull this off there will be plenty of happy faces at St. Mary's come Sept. 2nd.
