Atletico Madrid planning to recall Toby Alderweireld from Southampton

Atletico Madrid sports director Jose Luis Perez Caminero says the club is planning to recall Toby Alderweireld from his successful loan spell with Southampton.

Last summer, Alderweireld was loaned out to the Saints because his playing time would have been limited due to the presence of Diego Godin and Miranda in the center of Atletico’s defense.

Southampton were hoping to make the Belgium international’s deal permanent, but part of Alderweireld’s deal includes a clause which allows Atletico Madrid to veto any decision from the English club to purchase the defender’s rights.

This season, the defender has started in eighteen matches for Southampton after missing a significant time due to injury.

Atletico sports director Jose Luis Perez Caminero told the club’s official website the intention is to retain Alderweireld next season, as well as midfielder Oliver Torres who is on-loan at FC Porto.

This will come as disappointing news to the two clubs since both players have had successful campaigns playing in the respective countries.

“We are most satisfied with their performances and development in general,” Caminero told the club’s website.

“Oliver and Alderweireld are both enjoying a very good season and we are counting on them for the next campaign.”

It has been rumored in recent months that Miranda and midfielder Arda Turan are planning to leave Atletico Madrid in the summer.

The club’s decision to recall Alderweireld (a central defender) and Torres (midfielder) could be a sign Atletico are preparing for the departure of their two veteran players.