Charlie Adam has backed Tottenham Hotspur to buy goalkeeper Illan Meslier from Leeds United to replace Hugo Lloris, as he told Stadium Astro.
The other name Adam also threw into the hat was that of Everton’s number one, Jordan Pickford, because he feels Tottenham’s captain is declining and Hugo Lloris isn’t brave enough when coming out to collect crosses.
This comes after Antonio Conte’s side recorded a well-earned three points against Brighton on Saturday – back-to-back clean sheets for Lloris, after his error-prone game against Arsenal last week.
Spurs do have summer signing Fraser Forster as a back-up option, but just like Joe Hart previously, the Englishman is there for the short-term and not the long-term.
It has been ten years since Lloris first donned the Spurs colours, and in truth, during that time, he hasn’t had many keepers challenge or dethrone him from his starting spot, despite his knack for making mistakes.
Well, former Premier League midfielder Adam thinks that time is up and he should be replaced, as he threw Meslier and Pickford’s names forward.
“Tottenham will be looking at players coming out of contract,” said Adam. “The goalkeeping situation, for the last two years, is something they could have improved on.
“I think Lloris has thrown a few goals in as well. I don’t think he’s one of the bravest goalkeepers, in terms of coming for crosses. But he’s had a wonderful career.
“It will be interesting which level they go to, in terms of who they want to buy. I would go for someone younger, who can progress and be there for a long time, then nurture themselves to be at Spurs for a long time and be at the club for six, seven or eight years.
“Like Arsenal went with Ramsdale, they took a risk, but it’s paid off because he’s a top goalkeeper. Maybe go buy a Jordan Pickford or something like that? Possibly (Illan Meslier). He’s a young kid, that’s had a couple of years of experience and made mistakes in the Premier League. But Bielsa backed him. Jesse Marsch backed him, so someone like Meslier could be the one for Tottenham in the future.”
TOTTENHAM NEED TO LOOK TO THE FUTURE
Regardless of how well Lloris is or isn’t performing, Spurs still need to look towards the future regarding their goalkeeping situation.
Lloris will be turning 36 in a few months and, at this moment in time, there isn’t anyone really pushing to replace him.
The answer seemingly lies in the transfer market and possibly trying to lure someone else’s number one to join them in north London.
At 22, Meslier would see his fellow countryman Lloris as an inspirational figure and someone who he could possibly replace as France’s number one. But will Leeds allow it to happen on the domestic stage?