Should Barcelona go for Toby Alderweireld in the summer?

The race for the Belgian’s signature has reached its business end

Since Toby Alderweireld rejected a contract offer from Tottenham, clubs have been clambering to activate his lowly €28 million release clause. As the race has developed, three main contenders have emerged – Manchester United, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

But the 29-year old is not the best option for Barça. He is one of the best centre-backs in the world and would not be satisfied with warming the bench, and playing second-fiddle to Gerard Piqué and Samuel Umtiti.

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Even though Piqué is 31, Alderweireld is too old to succeed him in the first-team. By the time the La Masia product begins to decline, the Belgian would be declining too. Also, Alderweireld is not as adept at passing as Piqué.

The Belgian also cannot utilise his height to his advantage in set-piece situations. He is a brilliant player, but not what is required at Barcelona. Despite his affordable price, the club should overlook Toby Alderweireld.

Instead, the club should introduce a completely Latino backup centre-back pairing the season after next, replacing Thomas Vermaelen with the returning Marlon Santos. Yerry Mina will have matured on loan somewhere else, while Marlon is already doing well at Nice.

As for this season, the management should consider promoting a B team centre-back to the first-team squad to team up with Vermaelen. David Costas and Rodrigo Tarín have done well this season, and may deserve a call-up.

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If they end up doing very well, it may mean that one of Mina or Marlon would need to be happy with a third-choice role at the club. Regardless, splurging on positions which do not require reinforcements would mean that the club is losing its touch.