Full Breakdown
Tottenham Secure Martin Dubravka on Free Transfer
6/25/2026, 2:27:49 PM
De Zerbi’s Rebuilding Phase
Roberto De Zerbi enters his first full season after guiding Spurs away from a 17th-place finish. The manager has reshaped the squad with a focus on defensive stability, adding experienced outfield players and now a veteran goalkeeper to complement the existing options.
Principal Figures
- Martin Dubravka – Slovak international, former Newcastle United and Burnley starter.
- Roberto De Zerbi – Tottenham head coach.
- Johan Lange – Sporting director.
- Antonín Kinský – Current first-choice goalkeeper.
- Guglielmo Vicario – Italian goalkeeper whose future is uncertain.
- Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson – Recent defensive signings.
Dubravka’s Premier League Record
Dubravka has amassed 197 Premier League appearances, keeping 51 clean sheets overall. In the 2025-26 season with Burnley he featured in 35 league matches, recorded four clean sheets and conceded 71 goals. He made 127 saves that season, 17 more than any other goalkeeper in the division, and previously logged 140 saves in the 2019-20 campaign, earning Burnley’s Player of the Year award.
Implications for Goalkeeper Hierarchy
The signing adds depth and experience to a goalkeeping group that already includes Kinský, Vicario and young prospect Brandon Austin. Media reports suggest the move is intended to cement Kinský as the long-term starter while providing competition for cup fixtures. Vicario is linked with a possible return to Italy, a development that could free wage resources for further reinforcements.
Official Statements & Responses
De Zerbi praised Dubravka’s “big experience and strong mentality,” noting his qualities will bring balance, leadership and competitiveness to the dressing room. Lange described Dubravka as a “goalkeeper of proven quality” whose character and professionalism will strengthen the squad and align with Tottenham’s building plan. Dubravka himself said the transfer represents “an exciting time… a new journey and new experience for me and my family,” and expressed admiration for De Zerbi’s style and the club’s fans.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on clean-sheet figures: one cites 51 clean sheets from 197 career appearances, while another records only four clean sheets in Dubravka’s 35 matches for Burnley last season. Save totals also vary, with 127 saves reported for the 2025-26 season versus a 140-save tally in the 2019-20 season. No definitive statement has confirmed Vicario’s departure, leaving his future uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's an exciting time for me, a new journey and new experience for me and my family. I'm looking forward to it.” — Martin Dubravka, Player
- “Everything moved pretty quickly and I'm really happy to be here. I've loved watching Roberto's teams over the years and know all about his style, vision and the fantastic fans here.” — Martin Dubravka
- “I am very happy because Martin is a goalkeeper with big experience and a strong mentality. He has very important qualities for me and will bring balance, leadership and competitiveness to our dressing room.” — Roberto De Zerbi, Head Coach
- “We are delighted to welcome Martin to the Club. He is a goalkeeper of proven quality at the highest level, and his character and professionalism will strengthen the squad. Martin brings experience, leadership and consistency, and aligns perfectly with what we are building here.” — Johan Lange, Sporting Director
Looking Ahead
Dubravka is expected to feature in domestic cup matches while Kinský remains the league starter. Should Vicario depart, Tottenham will have a clear hierarchy and additional wage flexibility for upcoming transfer targets. The club’s next fixtures will test the rebuilt defensive unit as De Zerbi seeks to improve on last season’s narrow escape from relegation.
