Tottenham Plot £86m Move for Benfica's Anatoliy Trubin

Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring Benfica shot-stopper Anatoliy Trubin ahead of a possible summer swoop, according to reports in Portugal. The 23-year-old Ukrainian international has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Guglielmo Vicario, whose long-term future at the club remains uncertain amid interest from Serie A. Spurs face competition from several European giants for Trubin's signature.

Why Trubin Fits Ange Postecoglou's System

Ange Postecoglou demands a goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet and capable of sweeping behind a high defensive line. Trubin averages 42.1 passes per 90 minutes in the Primeira Liga, with a completion rate of 83.2%, ranking in the top 10% of European goalkeepers. For context, Vicario averages 38.6 passes per 90 with 78.5% accuracy. Trubin's distribution could accelerate Spurs' build-up play and reduce defensive transitions.

Statistical Comparison

  • Clean sheets in 2024-25: Trubin 15 (30 games), Vicario 11 (28 games)
  • Goals prevented per 90 (post-shot xG): Trubin +0.29, Vicario +0.11
  • Sweeper actions per 90: Trubin 1.8, Vicario 1.2

Financial and Transfer Context

Benfica value Trubin at €100 million (£86 million), a fee reflecting his contract until 2028 and release clause. Tottenham would need to offload Vicario—valued around £40 million—to fund the deal. The £86 million would make Trubin the second-most expensive goalkeeper ever, behind Kepa Arrizabalaga's £71.6 million move to Chelsea in 2018. Comparable deals include Alisson to Liverpool (£66.8 million) and Gavin Bazunu's £12 million sale to Southampton in 2022.

Impact on Tottenham's Season and FPL

Spurs sit fifth in the Premier League, four points off fourth place with seven games remaining. A goalkeeper upgrade could solidify a defence that has conceded 41 goals—tied with Aston Villa for the 10th-most in the division. Trubin's arrival would likely improve xG against and save more points in tight fixtures. In Fantasy Premier League, Vicario is currently owned by 12.3% of managers at £5.2 million. Trubin, if signed, would likely debut at £5.5 million and become a top-five FPL goalkeeper option given Spurs' projected defensive improvement.

What Comes Next

Negotiations are expected to intensify once the season ends. Tottenham must first secure Champions League qualification to meet both Trubin's ambitions and Benfica's asking price. If Spurs fail to qualify, a cheaper alternative like Giorgi Mamardashvili (£30 million) may emerge. A decision is likely by mid-June to avoid a goalkeeper crisis heading into pre-season.

Filed under: Transfer Rumours | LA Premier League Home