Hugo Lloris future: Conte reaches massive decision as surprise name tops three-man Tottenham successor shortlist
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has come to a decision on the future of Hugo Lloris – and TEAMtalk can reveal the club are looking at three replacements all based in the Premier League.
Lloris has proved one of the Premier League’s most-successful ever imports since moving to Spurs. Costing a bargain £13m, including add-ons from Lyon in August 2012, the stopper has made 436 appearances under a variety of different coaches.
Now in his 11th season with the club, Lloris has worn the Tottenham armband since the start of the 2015/16 season.
And while major honours have eluded him, Lloris can boast a World Cup winners’ medal with France from summer 2018. Indeed, he will again start the 2022 tournament in Qatar as les Bleus No 1 as they look to defend the title.
However, despite signing a new deal with Tottenham earlier this year, there remains doubts over his long-term future at the club. To that end, Jamie Carragher recently called into question the fading abilities of Lloris.
In analysing Spurs’ style of play under Conte in the wake of Sunday’s home defeat to Liverpool, Carragher insisted the blame has to lie with Daniel Levy.
However, he did say of the Spurs squad: “Defenders and keeper are not at the level he [Conte] needs.”
Tottenham know three names to replace Hugo Lloris
Now TEAMtalk can reveal that Spurs are stepping forward with their plans to replace the 35-year-old.
And our transfer insider Graeme Bailey can exclusively reveal that the 2022/23 season will be Lloris’ last as Spurs No 1.
“Hugo Lloris has a deal until 2024, but it is highly unlikely he will be Tottenham number one after this season. He has been up and down and it is understood Tottenham are looking for his long-term replacement. And we can reveal that a number of options are in the Premier League,” Bailey said.
“They have been linked to the likes of Jordan Pickford, Robert Sanchez and Illan Meslier, so there are options for them – but it is likely that won’t be until the end of the season.”
Turning attention back towards Lloris, Bailey added: “Lloris will go to the World Cup finals, and it will be interesting to see how he goes in Qatar.
“But barring injury and a real collapse in form, he will get the rest of the season at Tottenham – which will almost certainly be his last as number one.”
Spurs will have to spend big on replacement
Deals for all three of their targets, however, are unlikely to come cheap.
Brighton keeper Sanchez is likely to be part of Spain’s squad for the World Cup finals. He has established himself as one of the best in the Premier League in recent seasons. Indeed, he was the subject of interest from Leicester over the summer when it became clear that Kasper Schmeichel would be departing.
However, Brighton value Sanchez highly and, with a deal to 2025, he will likely cost in excess of £35m.
Meslier, meanwhile, has been making waves at Leeds, having really come of age this season. He was recently named Man of the Match in their surprise win at Liverpool, making a total of nine saves in the game.
Contracted to 2026, he would likely cost a similar fee to Sanchez.
Pickford, however, looks the most obtainable option for Conte. The England No 1 is excellent with the ball at his feet and would fit the bill for what the Tottenham boss wants in his No 1.
His deal at Everton runs to 2024 and the club could land him on a free transfer next summer if Everton fail to renew his deal.
