Kevin Campbell has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur will find it difficult in trying to sign either Jan Oblak from Atlético Madrid or Marc-André ter Stegen from Barcelona, as he told Stadium Astro.
The Highbury legend was being asked about who Spurs could sign from the transfer market in order to replace long-time number-one, Hugo Lloris.
The France international isn’t going anywhere soon, but given that he is 36 at the end of the year, then a replacement needs to be found.
Both ter-Stergen and Oblak are number ones at Barcelona and at Atletico, respectively, so from that perspective, serious money will be needed to be put on the table in order to lure them to north London.
At 29, Oblak, who has had an indifferent 12 or so months, is a year younger than the man from the Nou Camp.
Nonetheless, when asked about which keepers can replace Lloris, former striker Campbell reacted to the names being put forward and how Diego Simeone and Xavi just simply won’t allow it.
“To get him out of Atletico Madrid, it’s going to be tough,” said Campbell. “It’s going to be tough because you look at Atletico Madrid, you know they are a good side.
“But trying to get someone from Simeone is going to be difficult to prize him away. Simeone will fight tooth and nail because he knows Oblak is that last line of defence, who he can really rely on. When they won the title. He was instrumental in them winning the title. I think he will want to keep Oblak. But he’s a top, top keeper.
On ter Stegen: “I can’t see Barcelona selling him. He’s instrumental. They are top of the table in Spain. Very good with his feet. I can’t see Xavi (letting him go).”
SPURS HAVE A BIG CALL TO MAKE
Lloris’s current contract expires in 2024, so it might be a case that their captain is still at the club next season.
But Spurs would rather act early than wait for their number one to leave before bringing somebody in.
That might mean the World Cup winner possibly being dethroned to the bench next season, but if it creates healthy competition, then so be it.
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