Alderweireld focused on impressing Saints

The Belgium defender joined the Premier League club on a season-long loan move from Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day and could make his debut against Newcastle United on Saturday.

Southampton do have an option to make the switch permanent at the end of the campaign, with a fee already said to have been agreed with Atletico, who can choose to take the former Ajax man back to Spain if they decide against selling him.

Alderweireld admits he is in the dark over what is in store for him next season, but is concentrating on nailing down a place in the Southampton starting XI in the meantime.

The 25-year-old centre-back said: "There is provision that Atletico can take [me] back if [they] want to.

"For me, next year the construction is complicated. I understand. We sit down together after this season with all the parties and see what is the best solution.

"I will get the chance to show, but if I have two weeks in a row when I do not perform well, I will move to the bench.

"The football requires more from you physically than in Spain.

"The Premier League is also changing. I have four years in a row in the Champions League and have played in the World Cup - I know what excellence means."

Antwerp-born Alderweireld can also operate at right-back and is keen to secure regular football after making just 18 starts in all competitions in his first season at Atletico.

"I hope to accrue games weekly in a top competition like the Premier League," he added.

"Not that I have bad memories of my first year at Atletico, I became more mature and could play in the Champions League, but in the centre of defence the team was already there from the year before, so it was difficult for me to get into it.

"Atletico understood that I wanted a year away."

Latest in
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed
Alan Shearer celebrates one of his five goals for Newcastle United against Sheffield Wednesday in September 1999.
'My Premier League record won't last forever. It will go one day and when it does go, and if it's to Harry, he knows I'd be the first to congratulate him and shake his hand': Alan Shearer magnanimous when discussing biggest threat to goalscoring record
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed
Alan Shearer celebrates one of his five goals for Newcastle United against Sheffield Wednesday in September 1999.
'My Premier League record won't last forever. It will go one day and when it does go, and if it's to Harry, he knows I'd be the first to congratulate him and shake his hand': Alan Shearer magnanimous when discussing biggest threat to goalscoring record