Tottenham face Ajax in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday night, in what is a huge match for both clubs.
Despite all the financial strength of others in European football and despite the difficult routes to this stage for both, one of them is going to playing in the Madrid final next month.
Just the thought brings excitement, even for neutrals.
The two clubs have a lot of links, via transfers done down the years, and even players who have arrived at Spurs via other clubs.
One of those is Toby Alderweireld, and he’s been speaking to De Telegraaf.
Much of the chat with the Tottenham star was about the match, and he’s very respectful about Ajax’s level.
What will be of more interest to Spurs fans, is the defender’s reply when quizzed about a transfer.
Ajax have half a plan to get Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen back at the club, and when asked about it, he said: “I can make very popular statements (to please Ajax fans), but I don’t know what’s coming my way. I do not say ‘no’ in advance for the future. But I am now fully focused on Tottenham and after that I also have a contract for one season.”
Alderweireld certainly doesn’t sound like he’s absolutely leaving Tottenham, and that’s been the case whenever he’s quizzed on it.
Maybe a couple more years and then a return to Ajax could be the plan.
