A roundup of the top news stories from the goalkeeping world between the 5th 12th of January.
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Brandon Austin wins Man of the Match in Tottenham debut
Tottenham Hotspur have had many injuries this season but it's safe to say that one of their biggest concerns has been in the goalkeeping department. Guglielmo Vicario, Spurs' usual first choice, has been injured for well over a month now. His interim replacement, Fraser Forster, has shown vulnerabilities in possession and the Spurs' hierarchy have now acted to sure up the penalty box.
Spurs had to look for help in the form of their third choice goalkeeper, Brandon Austin. The Englishman had never played a competitive game for Spurs before, despite being a part of the club for nearly ten years. On Saturday the 4th of January, Austin was finally given his eagerly anticipated opportunity to start for Tottenham.
Austin impressed throughout the game, looking comfortable on the ball under pressure as dealing with crosses well along with a string of solid saves.
Antonin Kinsky impresses on Spurs debut
Only days after Austin's debut, however, Spurs acquired a new goalkeeper, 21 year old Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague. Kinsky started in the first leg of the EFL Cup Semi-Final against Liverpool. Despite only signing on Sunday, Ange Postecoglou felt the Czech was more than ready to play his role in a crucial game.
Spurs won the tie 1-0, keeping only their third domestic clean sheet since November 2023. Kinsky praised his teammates and goalkeeper coach Rob Burch following what was another debut to remember this week for a Tottenham goalkeeper.
Newcastle United try to hold onto Martin Dubravka with Saudi move looking likely
Moving from the South to the North, reports that Martin Dubravka leaving the Magpies emerged over the past week. The Slovakian has played seven games on the bounce since Nick Pope picked up any injury last month. Dubravka has enjoyed a fruitful spell between the sticks, keeping five clean sheets, winning all seven games, and only conceding two goals.
Many believed that Newcastle's first leg of the EFL Cup Semi-Final against Arsenal would be his last game for the club, but it is now reported that the Toon hierachy are trying to keep hold of him. The goalkeeper was in tears as he thanked the travelling fans for their amazing support after the game. Will Dubravka be playing in Saudi by the end of the month or will he stay in the North of England?
Karius handed career lifeline?
Lorius Karius, formerly of Liverpool, hasn't played for a club since his Newcastle United contract expired in the summer. However, that may be about to change. German side Schalke were relegated to the Bundesliga 2 at the end of the 22/23 after finishing 17th in the German top flight. Last season they finished 10th and this season they're currently 13th at the half-way mark. It's safe to say their efforts to return to the top have been slow since suffering relegation.
According to Sky Sports Germany, Karius underwent a medical at the club earlier this week. Will he be one of the many needed answers to Schalke's struggles?
Farke defends Meslier as pressure grows on Leeds' number one
Leeds first away game of 2025 was a trip to the KCOM stadium to face struggling Hull City. With ten minutes of normal time left to play and Leeds in a 3-1 winning position, the points felt all but certain. However, an Illan Meslier mistake would quickly change the dynamic and ultimately, the final outcome of the game. A cross into the box looked to be sailing over the bar and out for a goal-kick but Meslier jumped and attempted to catch before spilling under the crossbar and inadvertently knocking the ball back into the six yard box. The ball fell to Joao Pedro who scored the rebound without any hesitation.
Hull then scored another at the death as the game ended 3-3. Meslier has faced a lot of criticism from fans over the course of the season. Manager Daniel Farke said: '"The [instinct] is still to trust and back my players. This is more or less the approach with Illan. I think it's fair to say he had a poor game against Hull, it was definitely a decisive mistake the second goal and it was not his big mistake but I think he could have also done better for the first and the third goals.'
But, admitted Farke, 'He was named as the best goalkeeper in the Championship last year – not by us, by a neutral panel – and his performances were good enough to make sure we are top of the league right now. He has 14 clean sheets and many good saves.
'Am I 100 per cent happy with his performance during the season? No, I think he can show more consistency but he's one of our own and it's important in these moments to speak honestly about what he can improve but also to back him. I've signed a contract as manager of Leeds United not Leeds divided.'
Liverpool confirm 22 year old goalkeeper to return to Brazil
Liverpool have agreed a deal for the permanent return of Marcelo Pitaluga to Brazilian club Fluminense after four years on Merseyside.
The Reds brought Rio de Janeiro-born Pitaluga to the club from Fluminense in January 2021, staking a reported £2 million fee on the then-18 year old.
The tall goalkeeper linked up with the Reds' academy and made a several appearances in both the Under-18 Premier League and Premier League 2. During the 2021/22 season, Pitaluga cemented his place with the Under-21s and also made several first-team matchday squads, but never made a competitive start for the Reds.
After two loan moans to lower league sides in England, Pitaluga will return to his homeland to continue his career.
Joe Hart to host new FIFPRO series
The former England number one is one of many ex-players to move into media, with Hart recently announced as the host of ‘Footballers Unfiltered’, a new series in which players from the men's and women's game to speak openly about important but lesser-discussed issues in professional football.
In the first episode, Hart will link up with Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini about preparing for a career after his career on-pitch, Over the coming weeks, FIFPRO announced that Hart will speak with players about issues including social media abuse, eating disorders and match-fixing.
Manchester United sign goalkeeper Rendell from Southampton
The Red Devils have signed England youth international Kayla Rendell from Women's Championship side Southampton. Rendell, 23, is a product of Southampton's academy and has followed the path of several before her who have come from the Saints' academy into the WSL.
United have been looking for goalkeeping reinforcements since England's Mary Earps left for Paris St-Germain last summer. Rendell will join current number one Phallon Tullis-Joyce and 20-year-old Safia Middleton-Patel in the goalkeeper department alongside goalkeeper coach Ian Willcock.
Rendell has put pen to paper contract at the club until 2027, saying: 'It's a dream to be signing for Manchester United and I can't wait to join the group and get started.
'I want to thank Southampton for all the support and opportunities they have given me since joining as a nine-year-old girl. I will always cherish so many fantastic memories of my time there.'
