Tottenham interested in signing Cruzeiro goalkeeper Otavio
Tottenham interested in signing Cruzeiro goalkeeper Otavio
When Guglielmo Vicario underwent groin surgery in mid-March, Antonin Kinsky got an opportunity to redeem himself from the disaster against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The Czech Republic international repaid Roberto De Zerbi’s faith and delivered strong performances to help Tottenham Hotspur avoid relegation last season.
As a reward, the club handed Kinsky a new contract in the summer and the No.1 role on the back of his heroics at the end of last term. While he has largely been composed on the ball and allowed Roberto De Zerbi’s side to play out from the back this campaign, the young goalkeeper has had a few shaky moments.
After loaning out Vicario to Juventus, Martin Dubravka is the only backup that the Lilywhites have to Kinsky, who has kept four clean sheets in eight Premier League appearances, but the 23-year-old may soon have some competition to cope with.
Tottenham's recent win shines a spotlight on Antonin Kinsky, who receives a significant Save of the Month nomination.
Tottenham’s recent win shines a spotlight on Antonin Kinsky, who receives a significant Save of the Month nomination. [Image via FotMob]
Recent reports suggest Tottenham are keeping tabs on Cruzeiro goalkeeper Otavio. The Brazilian has caught the eye of several top European clubs after stepping in for the injured veteran goalkeeper Cassio and delivering fantastic performances in the Copa Libertadores and in big derbies.
Now, according to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, Tottenham and Crystal Palace both had representatives to watch Otavio in action at Arena MRV for Cruzeiro’s derby against Atlético-MG last week. Kaio Jorge’s fourth-minute goal was enough for Cruzeiro to win the contest, as Otavio kept a clean sheet against Atlético-MG.
Otavio has become one of Cruzeiro’s most important players this season and signed a new contract until 2031, which includes a €100 million release clause for foreign clubs. He earned his first senior Brazil call-up under Carlo Ancelotti during the September international break and made his debut against Australia in a friendly. Given his importance and the long-term deal he signed, the report adds that Cruzeiro won’t even sit down to negotiate for less than €20m.
Tottenham keeping tabs on Cruzeiro goalkeeper Otavio
Tottenham keeping tabs on Cruzeiro goalkeeper Otavio
Following the recent scouting mission, Spurs representatives may have plenty of positives to report on Otavio. We expect the N17 chiefs to continue monitoring the 20-year-old’s progress in the next couple of months, and if fully convinced of his talent, formalise their interest when the transfer window reopens in January.
Back to Kinsky, he looks more assured now than he did at the start of the season, and De Zerbi will back him to continue his development at the club.