Tottenham confirmed on Friday that Hugo Lloris would not be required to come with them on their pre-season travels as they gave him permission to look for a new club.
The move comes as little surprise as the 36-year-old French international has been expected to depart from North London after a couple of years where he was no longer at his best.
With the arrival of Guglielmo Vicario from Emploi, plus Fraser Forster already in the squad, Ange Postecoglou probably has his first choice and back-up goalkeeper positions sorted, and that means that Lloris, who has a year left on his current deal, is no longer required.
We look at three options for the player.
Inter Milan
Many are expecting Andre Onana to leave for Manchester United, but regardless of whether a deal is agreed in the coming days, they may consider Lloris as a sensible purchase anyway.
Samir Handovic, their veteran stopper, left aged 38 when his contract expired at the end of the season and there is room in the squad for a player who can either deputise for Onana, or who has vast experience of top-flight football. Lloris would qualify under both those considerations, and with Tottenham reportedly open to letting him leave for free, he may be an attractive option for Inter as they look to balance the books as they remain in a difficult financial position.
Manchester United
The same can be said of Manchester United’s finances. After struggling to find the players they need for their budget, they are considering starting the season with Dean Henderson as their No. 1 if they cannot stretch to land Onana, and they also have seen Jack Butland depart for Rangers.
Urawa Red Diamonds youngster Zion Suzuki is seen as a potential back-up option, but if Erik ten Hag wants to add experience to his goalkeeping option, then Lloris is probably an affordable option.
Paris Saint-Germain
And in a demonstration of how football transfers can work as a merry-go-round, if Nottingham Forest cannot sign Dean Henderson, they could move for Keylor Navas at Paris Saint-Germain, with Gianluigi Donnarumma retaining the faith of the club’s hierarchy to stay as the senior first team goalkeeper.
That would open up a spot in the squad at Parc des Princes which would allow Lloris to move back to his country, while allowing PSG to reinforce their French identity.