Brentford coach Thomas Frank believes David Raya should cost ‘at least £40 million’ as Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur target the contract-rebel goalkeeper, speaking to Sky Sports.
In an era where goalkeepers are expected to do more than simply keep the ball out the back of the net, Raya ticks about every box imaginable. He has attempted more passes than any other Premier League glovesman this term (yes, including Ederson), with Jurgen Klopp labelling Raya an ‘incredible’ distributor.
Add that to his cat-like reflexes, and you can see why Tottenham have installed the Spain international as one of their top targets to replacing the ageing Hugo Lloris.
The Telegraph’s report indicated that Raya is valued around the £20 million mark. Frank, however, wants more than double. That is despite the fact that the former Blackburn Rovers stopper is now entering the final 18 months of his contract.
Tottenham want David Raya of Brentford to replace Hugo Lloris
“I hope he will stay forever but it looks like it could be difficult with the contract situation,” Frank says, Raya having admitted earlier in the day that he has turned down a new deal at Brentford.
“He must be at least £40 million plus. If he had three years (on his contract) it would be £70 million. How much was Kepa? He is at least as good as him.”
Better, some would say. Raya, a one-time Arsenal target, is nearly a decade Lloris junior, and would help Spurs transition towards a more possession-based style.
And, while Frank would love to see Raya perform a U-turn on his future, the Brentford boss knows that he cannot force a player to stick around against a will. Particularly when the player in question will be a free-agent in 2024.
“I think if he turns it down (a contract) twice, then unfortunately that’s a signal. We made two really good offers but that’s fine. It’s a free world. We can’t force anyone (to stay),” Frank adds.
“That said, David has been amazing for us, coming from Blackburn three-and-a-half years ago.
“In the first season, for me, he was the best ‘keeper in the Championship and then was involved in the play-off final. He made a mistake there but we told him, ‘you will come back stronger’ and the year after, we did it.
“He has taken that form into the Premier League and I think he’s one of the best ‘keepers in this league right now. He’s very focused and every day he’s here, I’m happy.”
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