Tottenham earmark Gregor Kobel to replace skipper Hugo Lloris in goal
According to German publication Kicker (h/t The Express), Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing VfB Stuttgart goalkeeper Gregor Kobel as a replacement for the ageing Hugo Lloris.
The 34-year-old Lloris has been the club’s first-choice shot-stopper since 2012. One of the finest in his position during his time, age is catching up with the French World Cup winner. With reserve keeper Joe Hart also in his mid-thirties and Paulo Gazzaniga’s future uncertain, Tottenham are keen to strengthen their goalkeeping department.
Moreover, Lloris continues to be linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain. With or without the Frenchman, it is evident that we need to sign a new goalkeeper.
The player on Spurs’ radar is Kobel, who looks set to depart Stuttgart this summer. The 23-year-old made 34 appearances for the Bundesliga side this season, keeping six clean sheets. His performances have attracted attention from a number of clubs including Borussia Dortmund.
The Germans appear to be preparing themselves for life without Kobel by already identifying Mainz’s Florian Muller as a replacement. Spurs could land Kobel for between £13-£17.3million, a reasonable price given the player’s potential.
In all earnestness, Kobel could turn into a dependable goalkeeper in the future. As of yet, he has failed to show anything concrete regarding his abilities to make it at the top level. Making a move for him is not without its risks and whether Tottenham are prepared to put their faith in him remains to be seen.
Spurs are set to enter a new era under a new coach this summer. With a long road ahead of us, we cannot afford to approach the transfer window with uncertainty.
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Lloris has shown at Tottenham that having a keeper of his calibre is as good as having a get out of jail card. The French veteran has served us with distinction for close to a decade. However, it is time to move on and it remains to be seen if Kobel will be the man trusted with our fortunes moving forward.
If he develops into a player half as good as Lloris, we could have a real player on our hands.