Spurs secure signing of Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld

Tottenham have successfully signed Belgium international defender Toby Alderweireld from La Liga side Atletico Madrid, with the former Southampton centre back penning a five-year deal at White Hart Lane.

The 26-year-old enjoyed an impressive season-long loan spell with Spurs’ fellow Premier League outfit Southampton last term, rising to prominence with his dominant displays at St Mary’s.

Ronald Koeman’s Saints were keen to snap up the Belgian centre back on a permanent basis this summer, but Mauricio Pochettino has landed his man instead ahead of next season (6/1 with Coral for a top four finish 2015/16).

SIGNED: We are delighted to announce the signing of @AlderweireldTob from Atletico Madrid. #WelcomeToby pic.twitter.com/CTThyOs7V7

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 8, 2015

Alderweireld said: “I’m very proud to be a Tottenham Hotspur player. I’m happy to be here and hope to have a wonderful time with this team.

“From the beginning I knew a lot about the club from Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele and Nacer Chadli.”

A deal was reportedly put in place before the player’s loan stint with Southampton that the south coast side simply needed to trigger this year in order to secure his services, but Atleti changed their stance and opted to sell to the highest bidder.

Due to this, the Saints may be in line to receive compensation, having missed out on their defensive target, with Alderweireld set to arrive at White Hart Lane instead, having made 28 appearances in all competitions last term for Southampton.