If last summer was the year of the left-sided centre-half, then 2023 is shaping up to be a summer dominated by goalkeepers.
David de Gea’s latest blunder only raised the demand at Manchester United for a replacement. Erik ten Hag’s, despite backing his under-fire Spaniard publicly, seems happy to oblige. Chelsea, meanwhile, may soon bring an end to Kepa’s rather uneasy relationship with the Stamford Bridge public.
And Hugo Lloris, his season ended by injury, may have already made his 447th and final appearance for Tottenham Hotspur.
If Spurs were hoping for a rather easy ride in their pursuit of a shot-stopping successor, however, they’ll be disappointed. Brentford contract rebel David Raya is likely to receive offers from both United and Chelsea.
The Blues, meanwhile, reportedly planned talks with Inter Milan in April regarding the future of Andre Onana. Champions League semi-finalists Inter may be forced to sell at least one star player this summer as they look to ease their Financial Fair Play fears, and have a good relationship with Chelsea following those Romelu Lukaku negotiations (The Standard).
Will Tottenham Hotspur sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana?
Tottenham, per 90Min, have reportedly told the Nerrazzuri that they are willing to take the £35 million-rated former Barcelona prospect of their hands too. And whoever wins the race will get their mitts upon a very modern, very complete number one.
“I had Onana when I was managing Cameroon,” smiles Serie A legend Clarence Seedorf. “Oh my word, he is incredible.
“He has a talent but is yet to fully express at its fullest. Onana has fiery character, but he is calmer than he was before. Let’s say he was more reactive in the past.”
Onana is renowned not just for his feline reflexes but also his impressive distribution. Manchester United side may make a move of their own; Erik ten Hag describing the 27-year-old as a ‘masterful goalkeeper’ during their time at Ajax.
Onana was not merely Ten Hag’s last line of defence but his first line of attack too; passing the ball between the lines with a confidence and accuracy neither De Gea nor Lloris have looked capable of.
Onana averages 37 passes per game at a success rate of 79 per cent in Serie A. Lloris averages 24 per game, at a completion rate of 73 per cent. De Gea’s accuracy comes in at a miserable 68 per cent (WhoScored).
The arrival of Onana at Tottenham, Manchester United or Chelsea would not merely signify a changing of the guard between the sticks, it could come to symbolise the total embrace of a new era of goalkeeping.
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