Tottenham Hotspur have reached a full agreement over a new contract for goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, with Standard Sport understanding that the 23-year-old has signed a fresh five-year deal with an option for an extra year and improved terms. Kinsky was already tied down until 2031, but the club has rewarded him for an excellent end to last season and to reflect his renewed importance under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Kinsky's Rise Under De Zerbi
De Zerbi came to rely on Kinsky as his first-choice goalkeeper last season after Guglielmo Vicario underwent surgery for a hernia injury. The Czech international impressed in the final seven games of the Premier League campaign, pulling off important saves against Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers as Spurs avoided relegation by just two points.
Kinsky also ruled himself out of this summer's World Cup to undergo a minor medical procedure, prioritising his club career. With Vicario expected to leave the club this summer, Kinsky is in line to be promoted to the number one role as De Zerbi rebuilds Tottenham's backline. New signing Martin Dubravka will provide backup.
Competition for Minutes
Kinsky's new contract serves as a show of faith from the club, but the goalkeeper acknowledged that he still expects to compete for playing time. In an interview with Czech outlet Olympijsky Tym, he said: "It's a challenge; I'll be fighting for a spot during preseason. Negotiations are underway with the club about what the future might hold. I'm interested in staying and fighting for my place because the English league is great."
He added: "Whether I'll be the starter or the backup is something the coach will decide. In my mind, I've always been the No1, even when I was on the bench. I'll take the same approach now, and I believe it'll work out."
