The Dubravka move is more about squad depth, than a long term solution
Written by William Banks, [SpursDaily]
Tottenham Hotspur are being linked with a move for goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka, with reports from Paul O’Keefe and Alasdair Gold suggesting Spurs are now in advanced talks over a possible free transfer this summer. The deal would reportedly be a free transfer from Burnley, which instantly makes it an attractive option from a financial point of view, especially for a squad that still has several areas needing attention.
From my point of view, I understand why Spurs are considering it, but I think you have to look at it in context of what is happening under Roberto De Zerbi. The goalkeeper situation is not just about adding depth, it is about defining a clear hierarchy moving forward. At the moment, the direction seems to be that Antonín Kinský is being backed as the number one, with De Zerbi reportedly making it clear that he sees him as the long term option.
On top of that, there is still uncertainty around Guglielmo Vicario, with some suggestions that a departure has not been completely ruled out if the right offer comes in.
That is where this move becomes interesting, because it does not really change that structure. If anything, it reinforces the idea that Spurs are still not completely settled in that position. Bringing in Dúbravka, who is 37 years old, feels less like a step forward and more like insurance. It is not a signing you make when you are building your long term number one plan, it is a signing you make when you want experience around the group in case things do not go smoothly.
Dúbravka himself is a very experienced goalkeeper. He has played Premier League football for years, dealt with pressure situations, and shown he can step in and perform when needed. There is no real question about his professionalism or reliability. But at this stage of his career, this is not about development or future planning. It is about short term coverage and dressing room experience.
That is why I keep coming back to the same point. This is not a long term fix in any sense. Even with Kinský being backed by De Zerbi, and Vicario’s future still slightly unclear, Dúbravka does not really affect the bigger picture. He is not coming in to challenge for a long term role. He is not blocking development. He is simply adding another experienced option into the squad.
In some ways, I can see the logic. If you are trying to build a squad for a full season under a manager like De Zerbi, you need depth in every position. You cannot rely on just one or two players carrying the load, especially in a system that demands so much from the goalkeeper in build up play and decision making. So a free transfer like this reduces risk without taking away from other priorities in the market.
But at the same time, it still feels like a piece that does not really answer the main question. Spurs still need clarity in goal long term. Whether that ends up being Kinský fully stepping into the role, Vicario staying and competing, or another signing further down the line, that decision is bigger than a short term addition like Dúbravka.
Overall, I think this is a sensible but limited move. It adds experience, it costs nothing in transfer fee terms, and it gives De Zerbi another option in a key area of the pitch. But it does not really change the direction of the club or solve the bigger question about who Spurs are building around in goal.
It is useful, but it is temporary. And for a team trying to settle into a new era under De Zerbi, that distinction matters.
