Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris over a potential free transfer swoop next year when his contract runs out.
According to a report from Spanish publication Fichajes, Barcelona are considering making a host of free transfer signings next summer as well, with Tottenham Hotspur captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris among the Catalan giants’ targets for 2022.
It is no secret that Barcelona are in a dire situation financially, which has forced them to be more measured in their approach in the transfer market. Indeed, of the four signings that they made this summer, three were Bosman transfers. And the trend may be set to continue next year as well, with the Blaugrana lining up a swoop for Tottenham’s Lloris.
The 34-year-old has been with the north London giants for nine years now, having joined from Olympique Lyon in the summer of 2012. During his time at the club, Lloris grew into the role of the captain and established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. While he may not be getting any younger, he showed last week against Wolves that he can still be a huge asset between the sticks.
A leader on and off the pitch, Lloris was also the captain of the French national team that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Now into the final year of his contract at Tottenham, the 34-year-old’s future beyond this season remains unclear as talks over a new deal are yet to be held. And with Spurs signing Pierluigi Gollini this summer, he could be considered a long-term replacement for the veteran.
With uncertainty looming, Barcelona are now said to be monitoring Lloris’ situation closely as they eye a swoop for him once his contract runs out. The Catalans have Marc-Andre ter Stegen as their undisputed first-choice between the sticks, with Neto as his understudy. However, it is well-known that the latter has been keen on leaving the club since January earlier this year.
And although he looks set to stay put this summer due to ter Stegen’s injury, he is likely to continue to push for an exit in January or the end of the season, leaving Barcelona in need of a new competitor for the German. Youngster Inaki Pena could be promoted to the first-team permanently, but the report says that Lloris is also being looked at as an option.
It is further claimed that the 34-year-old Tottenham ace has offers from elsewhere outside England already. So, it remains to be seen if the French international decides to renew with the north Londoners or ends up leaving on a free transfer in 2022. If so, it will certainly be interesting to see if Barcelona make a move for Lloris.
