Well, that was fast! Just a couple of hours after multiple outlets reported that a deal had been reached, Tottenham Hotspur has officially announced the signing of keeper Martin Dubrovka on a free transfer. Dubrovka is joining Spurs after a period as keeper at Burnley, and it is expected he will serve as a backup to 21-year-old Czech keeper Antonin Kinsky. The length of his contract was not disclosed in Tottenham’s official announcement, which suggests it might be a short term option.
Dubravka, 38, is a Slovakia international and a very experienced keeper. He is brought in not only to back up Kinsky in the event of injury or performance issues, but also to mentor the young keeper. I can’t think of many better options in that regard. Dubravka is a safe and experienced set of hands if the case arises that he’s needed to fill in for Kinsky.
Should Tottenham get back into Europe next season, it might be prudent to look at the backup keeper position to see if Spurs can get another English homegrown option in place, but for now Dubravka on a free transfer is a pretty ideal acquisition. Sure beats spending £40m on someone like James Trafford who would likely expect to be the starter. It shows a commitment to Kinsky as Spurs’ new #1, but also providing someone behind him to push, mentor, and encourage him as he settles into the job.
Dubravka is Tottenham’s third free agent signing of the summer, following the signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.
Welcome to Tottenham, Martin!
