Why Andre Onana would be a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris

Earlier this month, Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana revealed he had turned down the chance to return to Barcelona in the summer. He was linked with a move to Tottenham last summer but decided to stay put at Ajax.

Andre Onana, 23, came through the famed academy at Barcelona. Despite being only 23, he is already in his fourth season as Ajax No. 1 and is a 14-time Cameroon international. He had helped the Eredivisie side to the Champions League semi-finals last season, only to see his team lose against Tottenham.

With Onana continuing to impress between the sticks, Tottenham should reignite their interest in the Ajax goalkeeper and look to sign him.

Tottenham re-signed Michel Vorm on a free transfer as emergency cover for injured skipper Hugo Lloris.

Vorm, 35, left Tottenham in the summer after five years at the club. But the North Londoners made contact after Lloris’ arm injury in the defeat at Brighton ruled the Frenchman out for the rest of the year.

Even though Spurs have brought in Vorm until the end of the season, Mauricio Pochettino has kept his faith in Paulo Gazzaniga.

Gazzaniga has played four times this season since replacing Lloris in goal, producing a top performance against Liverpool even though Spurs suffered a 2-1 defeat at Anfield on Sunday. But whether he is the right man to replace Lloris, in the long run, remains to be seen.

As far as Lloris is concerned, he has also shown worrying vulnerabilities of late, making high-profile errors last season.

He had also gifted Croatia a goal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, but his mistake went unpunished as France were already 4-1 ahead. Given he is 32, out injured and on the decline, Onana could potentially move to Spurs as Lloris’ replacement.

Onana has established himself as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers since the last couple of seasons. He’s only 23 but has great experience playing against some of the best European teams and has proved himself to be an extremely commanding as well as reliable presence in his 18-yard-box.

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The Cameroonian international is extremely composed with the ball at his feet, more than capable of initiating attacks from the deep. He’s also extremely strong and can catch balls in the air with ease.

Onana’s aerial domination, confidence with the ball at feet and leadership from between the posts would make him a top addition to the Spurs backline.

Verdict

Onana has the potential to improve and become a top-class goalkeeper. So whilst he is currently contracted to Ajax until 2022, Spurs should test the Dutch club’s resolve next summer. All in all, the 23-year-old could be an ideal successor for Lloris.