Tottenham are continuing their squad rebuild ahead of next season, recently signing Matt Doherty from Wolves and have been linked with a series of names. Spurs also raised everyone’s eyebrows when they signed Joe Hart last month. After being relieved of the duties from Burnley, Spurs latched on to the veteran goalkeeper on a free transfer.
Last season, Spurs were abysmal, nothing like the 2018/19 season where they ended as the runners up of the league despite signing no players in the transfer windows prior. They saw the arrival of Jose Mourinho midway through the season, succeeding Mauricio Pochettino. However, the chosen one also failed big time in guiding his side to a top-four finish.
Hugo Lloris, the club’s perennial first-choice goalkeeper, missed nearly half of the games last season after suffering an elbow injury. Spurs looked to Paulo Gazzaniga, who signed for them in 2017, in the absence of Lloris. Gazzaniga was impressive in his short-lived stint before being restored to the bench after Lloris returned to fold – weeks before the pandemic break.
Hart’s signing did surprise himself as he had initially lost faith whether he could survive in the English top-flight – making only three appearances last season. The 33-year-old became the second choice to Nick Pope at Turf Moor. Primarily, Spurs stuck to the former Manchester City keeper given his experience in England, registering more than 300 appearances.
Furthermore, he comes as a free agent in the transfer window hit by the financial crisis. Spurs, like many other clubs, were limited to spend much, hence giving in the pursuit of Andre Onana, who will cost around 40 million pounds. The North Londoners were also linked with LOSC Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Hart looks to have the approval of Mourinho as the Portuguese manager stated the singing of the English goalkeeper as a good one.
Unlike the fellow Londoners Chelsea, who are reckless in the current transfer window, Spurs can’t afford for expensive signings.
While Lloris is still giving others a run for the money at both club and international level, it makes sense why Spurs signed Hart.
