Heading into the New Year’s Eve clash with AFC Bournemouth, we have some massive Tottenham Hotspur roster news. Hugo Lloris, who’s made more than 400 appearances for Spurs, albeit none since Ange Postecoglu took over, is headed to LAFC.
The Major League Soccer club partially owned by celebrity comedian Will Ferrell will take the French goalkeeper on a deal that involves no transfer fee. According to multiple sources, the deal is done, all all we await is the announcement.
Tottenham Hotspur vs AFC Bournemouth FYIs
Kick: Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 2 PM Local Time, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Tottenham Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
PL Standing: Tottenham 5th, 36 pts Bournemouth 12th, 25 pts
Form Guide: Tottenham LWWWL Bournemouth WWWWD
Google Result Probability: Tottenham 54% Bournemouth 24% Draw 22%
Lloris was named team captain, by then manager Mauricio Pochettino, in 2015-16. He served in the role up until this season when Postecoglu replaced him with Heung Min-Son. Lloris has been completely out of the picture since the summer preseason, but turned down opportunities to leave the club.
Teams in Italy, France and Saudi Arabia had all made approaches for the 37-year-old, but his agent said “naw, we’re good” to all of them.
Tottenham Team News
On the injury front, both Cristian Romero (thigh) and Richarlison (back) face late fitness tests in order to be made available for selection here. Meanwhile Yves Bissouma will miss out due to suspension.
You also have the group of long-term injury absentees who still remain out here:
James Maddison (ankle- likely returning early next month), Micky van de Ven (hamstring- probable return middle of January), Ivan Perisic (knee- done for the season), Ryan Sessegnon (thigh), Manor Solomon (knee) and Rodrigo Bentancur (ankle).
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now, while writing for the International Baseball Writers Association of America. You can follow the website on Twitter.