Latest goalkeeper to Tottenham rumour doesn’t add up

The latest speculation in the rumour mill doesn’t add up, as Italian journalist Rudy Galetti says Antonio Conte is keen on bringing Inter’s Samir Handanović to Tottenham. 

Handanović, who joined Inter Milan on July 9, 2012, sees his contract expire on June 30. It is thought Tottenham would be able to sign the wily veteran keeper on a free transfer, which makes sense when considering Handanović’s age and current worth on the open market. Transfermarkt.com has his market value pegged at just over £2 million.

With Conte and Handanović’s previous working relationship, it makes sense for Tottenham to snatch him on a free transfer. What doesn’t make sense is why Tottenham needs a keeper who is clearly playing on borrowed time.

The elder statesman will be 38 years old in July, and, at that decrepit age, has absolutely no value to Spurs. Unless Conte plans on bringing him aboard in a mentorship, coaching capacity, Handanović’s place is on the beach with a Mai Tai, not shepherding the goal of an elite Premier League side.

In addition to Handanović being on the verge of acceptance into the world’s senior citizen’s club, Tottenham are reportedly close to announcing Hugo Lloris‘ contract extension. Lloris might only get another full season at Spurs, but that’s long enough for the club to find a viable long-term replacement for the legendary keeper. Lloris is 35 years old. And as far as I’m concerned, no team in the world is clamouring to have two +35-year-old, grizzled keepers on their books.

Handanović was a superb keeper in his prime and still, considering his age, performs admirably for Inter. The wily keeper has played every minute in Inter’s current campaign and has kept a clean sheet in nine of 19 appearances. Pretty impressive numbers for the veteran Slovenian.

But unless Conte plans on bringing Handanović aboard in a coaching capacity and Lloris doesn’t sign a contract extension, there is no room at Tottenham for another keeper who has retirement well and truly in his crosshairs.