Hugo Lloris is the first-choice shot-stopper for Tottenham (Getty Images)
According to a Football.London, Tottenham Hotspur have Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan on top of their wish list as a replacement for skipper Hugo Lloris.
The veteran Frenchman had been at the receiving end of criticism earlier this season for his errors in goal before suffering an elbow injury that ruled him out for a major share of the season. The 33-year-old World Cup winner has been so poor this season that he has managed just two clean sheets after starting 12 games.
For someone who over the past couple of seasons has consistently managed two-digit clean sheets, this was a real let-down. This is unacceptable for someone of his stature.
However, his dip in form had been clearly evident even before this. The seasoned campaigner kept just 12 clean sheets last season while he maintained 15 each in the two seasons before that (2017-18, 2016-17).
Lloris looked a little out of form early in the season as he could manage just one clean sheet despite starting in seven games before getting injured. His time out of action due to injury also does not seem to have worked in his favour as he has conceded six goals and kept just one clean sheet from five games since returning to action.
With his form hitting a new low, Tottenham’s interest in Maignan does not come as a surprise. The Lille custodian is one of the first names on the team sheet, starting in all of their 28 league games.
He has been crucial to Lille’s impressive display this season that has seen them concede just 27 goals and climb to fourth place in the league table. The Frenchman has been Lille’s guardian angel, keeping 12 clean sheets in the league.
Maignan had earlier stood out in Lille’s campaign last year with his 15 clean sheets from 33 matches. Considering his form this season, he is well set to emulate his performances from the season before.
Tottenham have one more established keeper in Paulo Gazzaniga. Lloris’ injury had opened the doors for the Spurs second man, however, he failed to impress, managing just two clean sheets despite starting 18 times.
Thus, Tottenham should pursue their interest in Maignan as he seems like the perfect long-term replacement for Spurs captain Lloris, whose goalkeeping seems to have hit a downward spiral.
With Tottenham hot on the trail of Maignan, it is evident that the club is looking for a reliable keeper in goal.
Lloris is 33 already. In Maignan, they would have a young keeper with a long future ahead of him. Hence, it looks like Spurs should offload their veteran captain and look to go for a replacement like Maignan.
