Tottenham transfer hijack almost saw Premier League rival launch legal battle

Tottenham Hotspur’s move for Conor Gallagher is not the first time they have hijacked a deal for an Atletico Madrid star.

However, Spurs will hope the move to sign the England midfielder proves less dramatic.

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That was not the case 11 years ago when Toby Alderweireld arrived at White Hart Lane for £11.5million.

The Belgian defender penned a five-year deal with Spurs in July 2015 after impressing on loan at Southampton the previous season.

Their interest in Alderweireld had already caused controversy prior to the deal being announced, though.

It came after Saints argued the Spanish side had missed the deadline to purchase back their option to buy.

Atletico were said to have a £1.5million clause which would allow them to sell Alderweireld to the highest bidder.

Southampton’s claim that this had been done too late meant they were able to buy the centre-back for £6.8million as agreed at the start of his loan.

Alderweireld had made 28 appearances for the club during the 2014/15 season, which ended with Saints finishing seventh in the Premier League.

The circumstances surrounding his move to Spurs would even cause Southampton to consider launching an official complaint to FIFA.

Upon being unveiled in north London, Alderweireld took to social media to thank his former club.

He wrote: “Very excited to join Spurs. Looking forward to this but also looking back at a great Southampton season. Great club and fans. Thanks.”

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The former Ajax star would later admit he could understand Southampton’s frustrations.

Alderweireld explained: “I understand that there is some disappointment.

“I have sent a text message to Ronald (Koeman) and thanked him for a great year. He gave me a lot of confidence and made me a better footballer.

“I gave 100 per cent for Southampton and wish everyone luck for next season.”

In the end, though, the Saints’ executive director Les Reed admitted there was no case to answer due to the player’s decision to join Tottenham.

Reed told Sky Sports News: “There’s nothing to sue Atletico for because we could have had a deal in place, and I have to say Atletico have been exceptionally professional all the way through.

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“Whilst the legal representatives from both sides were discussing the pros and cons of a legal argument, I was having very good conversations with them about the potential of making a market price offer and sealing a transfer for Toby.

“But it was the fact that Toby had decided to go to Spurs, regardless of contract salary and everything else, that meant that it was pointless trying to take any more legal action, because our argument was then not with Atletico.”

Having joined Spurs, Alderweireld went on to spend six years with the club up until his exit in 2021.

During that time, he made 236 appearances and was part of the side which reached the 2019 Champions League final.

Alderweireld would later have spells at Al Duhail and Royal Antwerp, which included an outrageous title-winning goal, before retiring last summer aged 36.

Meanwhile, he also scored five goals in 127 caps for Belgium during a 13-year international career.

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Those caps include appearances at three World Cups and two Euros with the Red Devils.

As for Gallagher, the 25-year-old is on the verge of completing a £35million move to Spurs.

Thomas Frank’s side have swooped for the former Chelsea man despite strong interest from Aston Villa this month.

Gallagher is set to undergo a medical after agreeing terms on a five-and-a-half-year deal through to the summer of 2031.