Back in 2012, Tottenham operated a key signing, getting Lowry, the main goalkeeper for the next decade, from Lyon. Two tough negotiators, Jean Michel Olas and Daniel Levy, tried to strike a deal that would allow Lowry to cross the English Channel, and on the day of the deadline, Spurs agreed to buy the goalkeeper for 10 million euros. In the modern transfer market, this is a very low price. Since the Frenchman came to the club, Lowry has been North London's main goalkeeper, except for his brief substitution as Friedell when he first arrived at the club. Admittedly, he had a tough time at Tottenham, but he remains one of the premier league's finest goalkeepers and arguably one of the best in the club's history.
However, as the clock approaches the end of 2021, both Tottenham and Lowry are at a crossroads. The Frenchman's contract expires next summer, while the club began talks earlier this month over staying at Tottenham Hotspur but so far there has been no conclusion. From January 1, Lowry is free to negotiate with any team, whether from the Premier League or overseas. Although he turns 35 on Boxing Day, Spurs need to reach a deal with the Frenchman as soon as possible. Goalkeepers live longer than players in other positions, and goalkeepers between frames generally have longer careers than defenders, midfielders and attacking players. For a non-goalkeeper, 35 years old means the twilight of his career, although there are exceptions in the Premier League, such as Thiago Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, there are 11 players aged 35 and over in England's top flight this season, 5 of whom are goalkeepers.
Speaking of Lowry ahead of the Boxing Day victory over Crystal Palace, Conte said: "He's our captain, he's been playing for Tottenham for many years and we're all delighted to be in our squad, squad and dressing room. "It's clear that Conte is keen to keep the captain in North London, and it's easy to see why. Lowry has been criticised during Jose Mourinho's time at the club, but the experienced goalkeeper has returned to his best form this season. The 69.8% save success rate is the fifth-highest performance among more goalkeepers in 10 league appearances in the 2021-22 season. Conceding a goal against Crystal Palace was his seventh clean sheet of the season and fifth in the English top flight, though it's worth noting that it's his 16th appearance and would have been even more if Tottenham hadn't postponed three games due to bad weather and an outbreak earlier this month.
However, it's not just from a statistical point of view that Lowry is so important to Spurs. He conveys confidence at the heart of the defence, meaning defenders can play to their best and teammates are safe knowing the French goalkeeper is still at a consistently high level. As a World Cup champion who has earned the respect of the dressing room, it's no surprise that Conte is eager for him to continue playing after the summer. Not only will Spurs also lose one of Europe's top goalkeepers, but it will also raise the question of how best to replace Lowry. If Spurs want to compete for the trophy, substitute Gollini doesn't meet their criteria, but as evidenced by the value of players like Edson, Alisson, Mendy and Ramsdale, the North London side will eventually have to spend a fortune to sign the right successor.
Given conte and his side's problems in the transfer market, they could avoid a frantic premium scramble to attract a suitable goalkeeper as a replacement for Lowry and give the club more time to find a successor by extending the France international's contract. The willingness of all parties to reach an agreement is certainly a positive sign. Conte's appointment and subsequent praise for Lowry will have played a miraculous role in Tottenham's efforts to persuade the goalkeeper to stay at the club, but it's all about a deal now that could be the last big contract of the player's career.
Spurs have previously shown a reluctance to associate under-30 players with long-term contracts, and at some point they decided to give Alderweireld and Moussa Sissoko a new contract, worse than other players in their age group, but Lowry showed no signs of his career going downhill. As the New Year's bells ring, it's of course only a matter of time before Lowry and his delegates, along with Tottenham, sit down to discuss a new contract. It's not just blind loyalty that means the goalkeeper deserves a contract extension, he's still one of the premier league's best players. Fans are understandably eager to see him continue his career in North London.