Who will be Hugo Lloris's replacement: Altay Bayindir agrees to sign for Tottenham Hotspur

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From the moment of inception, Lloris has proven himself a diligent servant under the Spurs regime, virtually staking his claim as Tottenham’s number one the moment he ventured about the streets of N17.

But who will be his replacement?

The 36-year-old veteran has recently retired from international football following the World Cup – he has made four crucial errors that have led directly to goals, the most in the Premier League – and should be thoroughly disappointed with his weekly updated catalog of routined saves he fails to make.

Fraser Forster has recently stepped up to the number one position following the injury to Lloris. He enters the fray at a pivotal time in Spurs’ campaign. The coming games are sure to carry the majority of the weight that ultimately determines Tottenham’s finish to the season.

Forster has insisted he would be ready to assume responsibilities as the number one goalkeeper if given the opportunity, recently proving just that in our victory over rivals Chelsea.

Fraser the Giant joined Tottenham on a free transfer this summer after an eight-year stint with Southampton, only becoming an understudy for the first time in his career since joining Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

In light of an exceptional personal performance from Forster, the time given to usurp Lloris from his throne may have already elapsed. With Hugo’s future still hanging in the balance, a new heir is set to carry on the mantle of Tottenham’s last line of defense – one who is suitable of becoming a long-term successor.

Tottenham has sought such comforts in the services of Altay Bayindir and has reached an agreement to sign the Fenerbahce captain come the end of the season.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper becomes a free agent at the end of the campaign. It is being reported by a Turkish media outlet that Tottenham’s initial approach to Bayindir was as much a surprise to him, as to his representatives.

Altay Bayindir agrees to sign for Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham’s inability to convince Alex Meret to sign from Napoli sparked the catalyst that materialized into the pursuit of the Turkish shot-stopper.

He will gross a little under £1 million annually at Spurs, a fee which is significantly greater than what was being pocketed at Fenerbahce, his childhood dream club.

Jose Mourinho tried to sign him in 2020

Three years prior to his departure, Jose Mourinho reportedly wanted to sign Bayindir.

The goalkeeper who was 21 at the time had only been at Fenerbahce for seven months, but had slowly and deliberately curated a highlight reel of spectacular performances.

He began his professional football career with the Turkish club Ankaragucu in 2017.

In his 2020-21 spell, he played 38 matches for Fenerbahce and kept 15 clean sheets, helping the team to a solid third-place finish after a dreadful start to their season.

Altay Bayindir boasts a save success rate season of 78%, making an average of 3.72 saves per game.

He also has a high claim rate of 97.5% and a punch success rate of 92.9%.

Bayindir is regarded as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Turkey. He was named the best goalkeeper in the Süper Lig in 2021 and has been hugely praised for his unique shot-stopping abilities, the command of his area, and his excellent distribution skills.

Mourinho has always had an eye for talent and had entered talks to sign Bayindir back then, but with little mobility due to signs of improvement in Lloris’s performances come the end of the season.

Tottenham’s refreshed approach towards recent games has shown a change in mentality and spirit. With the iminent introductions of Udogie and now Bayindir to the fold, it will surely be a joy to watch.