English shot-stopper Fraser Forster has reportedly taken a pay cut to join Tottenham Hotspur on a free deal from Southampton.
Football Insider report that Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster has agreed to join Tottenham Hotspur upon the expiration of his contract with the Saints next month. Forster has reportedly taken a pay cut to join the north London side, and is soon set to complete his medical with them.
Tottenham have moved quickly to secure the services of Forster, who had fallen down the pecking order at Southampton over the last few seasons in favour of Alex McCarthy. The 34-year-old also spent a successful year-long loan at Celtic and was the Saints’ first-choice keeper for half of the ongoing season.
A hamstring injury to McCarthy saw Forster regain his space between the sticks for Southampton midway through the 2021/22 season. He made 19 Premier League appearances this term but missed the last two matches with McCarthy’s return. He had also turned down the opportunity to extend his stay at St Mary’s.
With Tottenham deciding against signing on-loan goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini permanently, they were on the lookout for an experienced English goalkeeper to provide cover for captain Hugo Lloris. Forster fits the criteria, having spent the best part of the last eight seasons in the Premier League.
Tottenham qualified for the Champions League by finishing fourth in the English top-flight this season after a close fight with arch-rivals Arsenal. With Champions League football on offer as well, Forster has reportedly agreed on a pay cut to move to north London. He was earning just short of £100,000-a-week with the Saints after signing a new deal with them in 2017.
Forster will play second-fiddle to captain Hugo Lloris at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Frenchman played every match for Antonio Conte’s side in the Premier League this season and is expected to continue in a similar vein if he remains fit.
Forster will have to do with a bit-part role with most of his appearances likely to come in the cup competitions. The deal is expected to be made official after his contract with Southampton runs down next month.
