The inevitable departure of Hugo Lloris looms closer than ever – much to the sadness of Spurs fans who have had the pleasure (and very occasionally the misfortune) of getting to watch one of the world’s best in the lily-white shirt.
What 👏 A 👏 Save
On repeat 🔄
How far will Hugo Lloris take France in #Euro2020? pic.twitter.com/gFEQsPVqRs
— Premier League (@premierleague) June 19, 2021
At 34-years-old, his athleticism and ability to use his feet is declining – and in the modern game that is an important aspect of goalkeeping, but the Frenchman remains one of the best goalkeepers for his lightning-quick reactions.
However, that is not enough for the club to stop searching for a replacement, and according to reports, one may have been found in the shape of West Bromwich Albion keeper Sam Johnstone.
Joe Willock forces a save from Sam Johnstone!
The search for an opener goes on in #WBANEW 🕰
Watch #PLonPrime live: https://t.co/TrPbUSpHct pic.twitter.com/GF0o3LWMtp
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) March 7, 2021
The 28-year-old, who is also interesting London rivals West Ham, is in the prime of his career – and he shouldn’t be spending that in the EFL Championship following West Brom’s relegation.
According to The Athletic, the Baggies want at least £10 million to let Johnstone go, and with Lloris interesting clubs in France, it might be worth letting him leave this year for a similar fee and use it to pay for the former Manchester United shot-stopper.
He is an England international, who only just missed out on the Euros squad having already won a cap before the tournament started in a friendly against Romania.
Sam Johnstone pulled off a miraculous save as England prepared for #Euro2020pic.twitter.com/mhkNzjHjNW
— GOAL (@goal) June 8, 2021
Despite West Brom’s leaky defence, Johnstone managed to earn six clean sheets for his club last season in the Premier League alone, making a total of 166 saves and saving one penalty – as well as earning one assist.
With great reflexes and excellent long range passing, Johnstone on paper has all the attributes necessary to replace Lloris and become a mainstay in goal next season, and with a very cheap fee too, the transfer seems like a no-brainer – IF we can sell the France captain.
#thfc Massive congratulations to 20-year-old development squad goalkeeper, Joshua Oluwayemi, who has received a first call up to the senior Nigeria squad for their friendly vs Mexico on 4 July in Los Angeles. He replaces the injured team captain, Ikechukwu Ezenwa 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/P1fTp3xz9k
— Lilywhite Rose (@Lilywhite_Rose) July 1, 2021
Joe Hart would most likely remain the club’s number two, while at the moment the number three position is currently taken by Alfie Whiteman, but with him needing a loan, Nuno may turn to his academy where in-demand Timothee Lo Tutala and Nigeria international Joshua Oluwayemi are both waiting for an opportunity.