The signing of free agent Martin Dúbravka had supposedly sent a clear message: Antonín Kinsky will be Tottenham's No. 1 for 2026/27.
Kinsky's redemption played a key role in Roberto De Zerbi keeping the club up. So many wrote the young Czech off after the debacle in Madrid, the details of which don't need recounting. Peter Schemeichel even went as far as saying Igor Tudor (gosh, what an era!) had "killed" Kinsky's career.
And who knows where he'd stand right now hadn't Guglielmo Vicario finally opted for hernia surgery. The Italian's absence offered Kinsky an immediate shot at resurrection, and he snatched at the opportunity with both gloves.
Kinsky produced outstanding saves amid several impressive performances to preserve positive results against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United and Everton. An excellent fit for De Zerbi's game model, the Italian retained his faith in Kinsky even when Vicario was fit again, and a contract extension signed at the end of June was just reward for a stunning redemption.
Spurs remain interested in new goalkeeper despite new Kinsky contract
Spurs' spending seemingly knows no bounds this summer. The purse strings have finally been loosened after two decades of Daniel Levy frugality. The club may be paying over the odds, but they're finally acting with the ruthlessness of an institution it's long perceived itself to be.
Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes are set to join in deals that could be worth as much as £185m combined. Jan Paul van Hecke has already signed for £52m. There's now talk of Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi being Tottenham's next priority target, and he'd cost upwards of £90m.
I'd speculated that our decision to back Kinsky and merely sign a veteran reserve was so we could be more aggressive in our pursuits of key midfield and forward targets. However, Miguel Delaney (via Daily Hotspur) understands that the club are still hunting to secure the services of another goalkeeper, with Manchester City's James Trafford namechecked.
Trafford is currently at the World Cup with England after helping City to FA Cup and Carabao Cup glory last season. He's garnered the attention of many, with City happy to sell, and his potential arrival would spark a serious battle for the No. 1 spot next season. I'm not exactly sure how much he'd cost, mind.
The addition of Trafford certainly offers De Zerbi greater security between the posts, because the complete backing of Kinsky is undeniably a gamble. The young Czech has immense potential but is hardly the finished product. Even during his redemption, Kinsky didn't cover himself in glory against Chelsea.
Nevertheless, given the signals of late June, pivoting to another potential No. 1 now would be a curious move.
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