Tottenham continue transfer push with third-choice goalkeeper

Less than a week after kicking off their summer transfer window in style, Tottenham have acquired the services of former Rayo Vallecano goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.

The 25-year-old arrives at Tottenham as the presumptive third choice option behind regular start Hugo Lloris and backup Michel Vorm.

He will occupy a role previously held by on-loan Espanyol keeper Pau Lopez. Tottenham attempting to acquire Lopez permanently earlier in the summer, but their terms did not meet the La Liga’s side’s expectations.

Like Lopez, Gazzaniga is unlikely to feature very much at all over the course of his five-year contract with Spurs. It would take injuries to both Lloris and Vorm to early him any regular time between the posts, a coincidence that is unlikely to happen.

Spurs fans might be relieved at the remoteness of that possibility. Prior to his stint in Spain, Gazzaniga turned in some poor performances for Southampton, including a 3-2 loss to Tottenham in December of 2013.

But for a truly bizarre blunder with Rayo last season though, Gazzaniga proved to be an effective keeper in Spain’s second division. In 32 matches played, he conceded just 34 goals per Transfermarkt — and earned 11 clean sheets.

One good season serving in the Segunda División doesn’t qualify him for a starter job in any of Europe’s top leagues of course. Which is why is feels like it might be a good fit for him to fight his way in Spurs’ reserves, with perhaps a shot to one day replace Vorm.

In a brief run of games at the start of last season, Vorm proved that even at 33-years-old he’s got what it takes to compete at the Premier League level. By all rights he should be a starter somewhere, and if it ever comes to that Spurs will need to call upon another option — like Gazzaniga — with at least some meaningful experience.

None of which will stop some from scratching their heads over the signing.

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Gazzaniga is only the second player to arrive at the club this summer following the record-breaking deal to bring centre-back Davinson Sánchez to the club last week. With so many other positions requiring attention — right-back in particular — it feels odd to prioritize goalkeeper.

If Pochettino has his way though, Gazzaniga will just be the next in a succession of three or four total signings before the transfer window closes next week.