Hugo Lloris is ready to end his illustrious 11-and-a-half-year career at Tottenham with a free transfer to Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer. The French goalkeeper will leave with some discomfort, having spent a period on the fringes of the standings with Spurs.
Nevertheless, there is no doubt about his status as one of the most important figures in the club’s modern history. In the previous eight seasons as captain, he has amassed 447 appearances in all competitions and has an extensive catalogue of outstanding performances. Apart from the fact that Lloris will walk out the door without fanfare, his biggest regret will be that he failed to win any trophies with Spurs.
Negotiations with LAFC are in the final stages and Spurs feel the deal is close to being confirmed. The winter transfer window in England opens on Monday.
Lloris, who joined Spurs from Lyon for £11m in 2012, is expected to leave in the summer. Ange Postecoglou stripped the 37-year-old of his captaincy and gave him time to find a new club, while president Daniel Levy reportedly gave him his word that he could leave on a free transfer, even though he was under contract until June 2024.
Nevertheless, Lloris turned down Lazio, Nice and clubs from Saudi Arabia, even though he knew that Postecoglou would not count on him after signing the new No 1 Guglielmo Vicari. Postecoglou also made it clear that Fraser Forster would be the No. 2 goalkeeper.
Lloris was still training with the first-team group as Postecoglou did not want to rule anyone out; the manager did not complain about the 2018 World Cup winner’s attitude. But Lloris did not take part in the games, which is why his period in North London ended miserably.