Which goalkeeper should Ramos buy?

By: Gary | May 26th, 2008

A possible crucial factor hanging over White Hart Lane this summer could rest at which custodian Spurs boss Juande Ramos decides to bring in.

With Radek Cerny signing for Championship outfit QPR in recent weeks and former England number one Paul Robinson still uncertain of his future after a rocky campaign, the Spanish head coach faces a vital decision ahead of the new season.

A top class stopper is essential if Spurs are to compete in the higher reahces of the Premier League this season. This is a decision Juande and Gus cannot afford to get wrong.

There have been a few names already banded around, but who is the man for the job?

The candidates:

Joe Hart, Manchester City

Advantages: The young English goalkeeper has earned glowing reports already since becoming the number one at Eastlands this season.

The 21-year-old is already being tipped as a future England first choice too after showing his great shot-stopping capabilities this term since his Premiership move from Shrewsbury Town just two years ago.

The Spurs faithful are often keen to build a squad with a British core and Hart may be many supporters’ favoured signing.

Disadvantages: We all know buying young English talent comes at a hefty price these days, and Ramos may be expected to foot a heavy bill for Hart’s services.

Another potential pitfull could be the youngster himself, who seems more than happy with life at the City of Manchester Stadium. And, would he consider a move to White Hart Lane as a massive progression to his career after City showed this term, they are also a club with massive ambition.

A return to form of Robbo, if retained, could harm his chances of regular football too. Hart is still a very young keeper and recent seasons have shown older and more experienced heads more effective in the Premiership nets. The media bears a massive influence on the ratong of certian players these days. Should we believe Hart’s hype already, or does he need another season of prving himself, to be considered one of England’s finest.

Carlos Kameni, Espanyol

Advantages: The Cameroon stopper has been one of the shining keepers in La Liga this season and is certianly a confident customer.

It is understood the Espanyol number one is keen to link up with Ramos after admiring his work with Sevilla.

The interntaional, capped 32 times by his country, is an outstanding shot stopper and an imposing figure who would breed confidence to Tottenham’s at times shakey rear guard.

At a cut-price of just £4.8 million, this move could be very shrewd business by Ramos.

Disadvantages: The 24-year-old can be eccentric and as a result could be prone to an error or two, although his record suggests this is not the case so far in his career.

Ramos likes to keep his business behind closed doors by the look of things so far, and the media attention which has been attached to this deal already this summer, may convince the Spaniard to take another route.

Gregory Coupet, Lyon

Advantages: The prospect of Spurs being able to capture the French number one goalkeeper for just £2.5 million from European heavyweights Lyon, is an exciting proposition.

The 37-year-old has vast experience and is still a consistent performer for his country, as he travels to Euro 2008 as the French first choice.

After a stunning season from Portsmouth’s David James, perhaps, the experienced route is the way to go after all.

Coupet has also expressed he would like to make a move to England and could be keen on a switch to the capital.

Disadvantages: Coupet has also been quoted in the press as considering retirment from the game. Spurs chiefs will have to be wary the Frenchmen is not just scouting the market for one last pay day before hanging up his boots.

Are we missing a trick with an interest in Coupet? The Frenchmen has been a loyal serant to Lyon over the last decade, making over 500 outings for the club. But, if the French giants are considering getting rid of their long serving number one, does he still have enought to offer?

Verdict:

Three very strong keepers are being linked with a move to north London, and all of the have their risks, which comes with the teritory of delving into the transfer market.

Ramos may be keen to review Coupet’s form in the European Championships this summer before making his decision, although I suspect with all things considered, a move for Espanyol’s Kameni, could prove the most fruitful.

The Spurs boss has good knowledge of his qualities and with a deal at one stage believed to have been wrapped up, it seemed to command the approval of most Spurs fans. At £4.8 million, it should be a safer bet they splashing cash on a still relatively unproven Joe Hart.