As reported by ESPN, Hugo Lloris has confirmed that he would be open to playing in the Major League Soccer in future. The Frenchman, at the age of 32, is already heading into the final phase of his career. And he could envision moving to the MLS in the future, which means Lilywhites need to secure a replacement sooner rather than later.
In this article, we will discuss three players Spurs could target as a potential replacement for Lloris.
Alexander Nubel
Alexander Nubel has had a swift growth at FC Schalke within the past six months. He initially made his breakthrough at the backend of last season and is now regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe. In fact, Nubel’s emergence forced Schalke to part ways with Ralf Fahrmann this summer, who was one of the best ‘keepers in the Bundesliga.
Nubel is likened to former Schalke superstar Manuel Neuer, thanks to his large 1.93m frame that helps him cover a lot of area in goal. He is also known for his lighting fast reflexes and the ability to act as a sweeper-keeper, which is ideally suited to the modern brand of football.
Nubel’s current contract at Schalke expires at the end of the season and Tottenham should really make a move for him in the upcoming January transfer window.
Dominik Livakovic
Dominik Livakovic, much like Nubel, is another young, talented goalkeeper, who is currently plying his trade for Dinamo Zagreb. He is not as young as Nubel, however. But, he has been the first-choice keeper for Dinamo for quite some time, which means the 24-year-old is way more experienced in top-flight football.
Livakovic is tipped as the long-term successor for Samir Handanovic in the Croatian national team, having already won six caps for Hrvatska. He was even targeted by Manchester United earlier this summer, as a potential replacement for David de Gea, who, of course, has now penned a long-term extension.
Either way, Livakovic’s blistering performances won’t keep him in Croatia for long. Tottenham, in that regard, should jump the train and sign him next summer.
Jack Butland
It hasn’t been a great year for Jack Butland as Stoke City’s persistence in the summer restricted him from moving back to the Premier League. Although the England international is not as highly rated as he was two years ago, he still has the quality to emerge as a top goalkeeper.
Butland could be a cost-effective option in Spurs’ bid to replace Lloris. It’s unlikely Stoke City will get back to the top flight anytime soon, which means Butland is destined to leave the club next summer or even in January and that too for a cut-price. The fact that he has experience of playing in the Premier League gives him a slight advantage over Nubel and Livakovic.
