Wouldn't it be wondeful if the delay was because it's a permanent and they're finalising the clauses/smallprint within that!
Kristof Terreur ‏@HLNinEngeland 14m Official confirmation on its way for Toby Alderweireld and Southampton. #saintsfc
Sven Claes ‏@svenclaes 5s Deal is done. Toby Alderweireld (25) 1 year on loan to Southampton! Passed his medicals. Belgian defender leaves Atlético Madrid. #SaintsFC
Sven Claes ‏@svenclaes 33s Official presentation of @AlderweireldTob at @SouthamptonFC will be on Wednesday. Tomorrow back in Belgium to train with national team.
Saw on another forum from an Atletico fan about Alderweireld Sounds like he doesn't think there is an option to buy. The "bit of an exaggeration" bit was when someone said that Alderweireld was really good
Interesting piece from the Echo. Our option to buy Toby isn't as clear cut as you might think. Atletico have the right to take him back as well...not sure how that works. http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/saints/news/11460188.Toby_ready_to_seize_Saints_chance/?ref=mac
He is here for the year. Let's get the best out of him and see where it takes us. Even if it allows us to have Gardos take time to settle if Toby is straight in and does the right job, then that's ok with me.
Thinking about it, I suspect Atletico have the right to have him back, but, if they don't want him, we have first dibs.
The deal looks as if it is arranged for the player to prove himself for Atletico. If he does exceptionally well for Saints then I've no doubt we will want to sign him permanently, but Atletico will also be more inclined to retain him. And £6.3M is going to look cheap. Nevertheless, we have him for a season. The last guy we had for that long always wanted to stay with us until he suddenly got a better deal [unknown to us]. This arrangement is a little more open.
I think in his mind he's going back too. The last line of that interview: "Atletico understood that I wanted a year away.”
