With Hugo Lloris now 35, Tottenham have targeted Jan Oblak as his long-term replacement and are even beginning preliminary talks over a move for the stopper – a player Lionel Messi has described as one of the best in world football.
While Lloris is in excellent form this season, Tottenham will have to make a decision on the ex-Lyon star soon. Next summer, he will enter the final 12 months of his Spurs contract and the chances of an extension seem rather unlikely.
So, Spurs are already putting plans in place to bring in a replacement for Lloris. Oblak is a ‘primary target’, according to the LES. He has a deal until 2028 at Atleti, but they are willing to sell him – after 360 appearances for the La Liga club.
Not only does he have plenty of time left on his deal, but Manchester United are also keen as they look to replace David De Gea. So, plenty of variables – but Tottenham would be signing one of the world’s best, according to Messi.
“It’s nice to face one another,” Messi told Bud Football . “He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the moment. It’s always good to fight against the best ones. He makes it hard to score, as he proves in every game he plays.”
Messi says Tottenham target Oblak is one of the best in the world
When it comes from someone like Messi, it is hard to argue. There are plenty of candidates for the title. In the Premier League; Lloris, Allison, Ederson all deserve a shout. German duo Manuel Neuer and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, too.
De Gea can be, but his form has dipped over the last couple of seasons. Gianluigi Donnarumma could be, but still has the odd error in his game that needs to be wiped out. In terms of consistency, Oblak is arguably the world’s best.
Messi is not the only player to call Oblak one of the world’s best goalkeepers – just ask ex-Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier, who played with him at Atletico Madrid. If Spurs can get a deal done, it would be a sensational signing.
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