Opinion: Why Hugo Lloris signing a new deal is the biggest January deal for Spurs

Even though Hugo Lloris recently celebrated his 35^th birthday, the Frenchman has continued to prove that he is at the top of his game.

So far this season Lloris has made 48 saves, with a 71.2% save percentage, putting him sixth in the league in the latter (FBRef).

Particularly since the arrival of Antonio Conte, Lloris and the defence have improved dramatically. Tottenham has conceded only four Premier League goals in the eight games since the Italian’s arrival.

And yet, Hugo Lloris’ contract is set to expire at the end of this season and the club has not yet signed him to a new deal or a contract extension.

On 1 January, non-English clubs were allowed to contact Lloris over possible summer pre-contract agreements, when he would be able to leave Tottenham on a free deal.

Losing a keeper of the Frenchman’s talents, not to mention our captain, on a free transfer would be one of the worst, if not the worst piece of business Daniel Levy has ever done for our club.

This is especially the case when we do not have a suitable replacement lined up. Pierluigi Gollini has not made a good impression thus far (plus he is only on loan) and there are not many world-class keepers on the market.

Tottenham’s only other option would be either Brandon Austin or Alfie Whiteman from the academy. And while they both have bags of potential, Whiteman in particular, neither is ready to step into the first team.

Ultimately, Daniel Levy needs to get Lloris to sign a contract extension. That would cement the Frenchman’s position in the Tottenham team for the 22/23 season.

Fortunately, Fabrizio Romano reported this week that Spurs are in talks with the Frenchman over a new contract extension until the summer of 2023. Antonio Conte has apparently given his deal of approval for one more season with Lloris.

To be honest, with Lloris showing no signs of slowing down, I think we could sign him onto a deal even beyond that, even if he is 35. The keeper is arguably playing his best-ever football at the moment, so age really is just a number in these negotiations.

Life would seem extremely strange without our captain, who has been with us for a decade, so I am not keen to experience life without Hugo Lloris any time soon.

There are no ready-made replacements on the market of Lloris’ quality for a good price. Spurs have no one ready to step up. And the Frenchman remains one of the best in the league.

Put those three things together and his extension becomes the most important piece of January business for Tottenham.

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