Spurs agree fee for Gomes

By: Gary | June 27th, 2008

Alas, our new goalkeeper has finally arrived, in the shape of PSV Eindhoven’s Heurelho Gomes.

We expected the arrival of many new faces this summer, but none have perhaps been more highly anticipated than that of our new custodian.

The much-raved about Gomes, is set to join us on a deal worth £8 million, which could rise to as much £10 million - and break a British club record for a goalkeeper transfer, beating the £9 million Sunderland paid for Craig Gordon last summer.

With money comes intense pressure. The Brazilian is sure to be under both the media and fans spotlight form the outset of his Spurs career. He will have to stand up and show he can cope. And this is where the major gamble of Juande Ramos’ most recent addition lies. There is no doubting Gomes’ quality and experience. But his ability to cope with the pressure of being a big money signing and playing the Premier League, is the hurdle he must overcome.

With the unbelievably high calibre of goalkeepers arriving in the Premier League from Europe in recent years, the height of expectation surrounding Gomes could not be more more amplified.

The likes of Petr Cech and Pepe Reina have moved to England and earned instant respect as two of the division’s best goalkeepers. Gomes will be mentioned in this type of bracket and compared to some of the best names around. He will need to be ready.

It is good to see Ramos has addressed our ‘problem area’ early on ahead of our forthcoming pre-season campaign. This will give optimum time for the Gomes to strike up a positive relationship with the back four ahead of our first game at Middlesbrough.

The goalkeeper is a bedrock of any team, and it was important we did not leave it too late before finding Paul Robinson’s inevitable replacement. It is certainly a good job done by the Spaniard on that front. Although the ‘value for money’ test may be far more difficult to pass.

After all, there were plenty of cheaper candidates in the frame to take on the number one jersey next season, yet Ramos has opted for the expensive option of four-times Dutch title winner, Gomes. Let’s just hope the wealth of domestic and European experience he brings to our ranks ahead of next season, proves worth the investment .

Cost aside, the Brazil international is a signing most fans should welcome with open arms, especially after seeing him in top form in our last 16 UEFA Cup clash with his former employees earlier this year.

The 27-year-old was only beaten by a spectacular Dimitar Berbatov volley in the second leg of the tie. A string of fine saves, in particular at White Hart Lane paved the way for the Dutch sides progression.

He is an imposing and confident goalkeeper, who should settle into life at Spurs with ease. He overcame strong critics after moving to PSV from Cruziero back in 2004. The Dutch faithful questioned whether Brazil, renowned namely for their attacking players, could produce a goalkeeper of the highest European quality.

It did not prove a problem for Gomes who fast established himself as one of the most talked about keepers in world football. He is a fantastic shot-stopper and commands his area well. He has earned nothing but glowing reports since making his switch to Holland and as a result earned his international call-up from Dunga two years ago, going on to make 17 appearances.

His move to the Lane offers the man a new challenge. A challenge against expectation namely. £10 million should entitle us to a world-class keeper, even in todays market. And, that is what Gomes will have to show us, he is.

He must prove his capabilities all over again and also attempt to win over the Spurs fans, who hold former England number one ‘Robbo’ in their highest affections.

But I am sure if he allows his football to do the talking, he will have no problem in making White Hart Lane his new home.

The arrival of Gomes should spell the end of life at N17 for Robinson now with Aston Villa and Manchester City reported to be on the trail.

I expect his departure to follow within the next seven days, meaning we will again be on the hunt for a new goalkeeper - as cover for Gomes.

But for now, an important summer mission has been accomplished. Good job Juande….