Tottenham Done Deal: Contract extension wrapped up for ‘excellent’ Josh Keeley – Lilywhite Rose
Tottenham have decided to extend the stay of 20-year-old goalkeeper Josh Keeley.
After a positive start to the 2023/24 campaign, during which he started six Premier League 2 matches for Spurs’ Under-21s, keeping four clean sheets in the process, Keeley joined up with National League side Barnet on loan.
He was thrown straight in at the deep end under Dean Brennan as the Barnet boss started him in the club’s first match since he had arrived, a 3-2 loss to Altrincham on the road (6 January).
Despite the defeat and three goals conceded, Brennan was full of praise for Keeley while in conversation with the club’s official YouTube channel after the match (6 January).
“I actually thought Josh did really well, I’ll be honest I thought he swept really well and his distribution was excellent. He made some good saves when he had to.”
Keeley has started all seven of Barnet’s fixtures since joining the club, and Spurs have certainly taken notice of his progress.
As per Lilywhite Rose via X (13 February), the north London side has activated an option in Keeley’s contract which extends his current deal by a further year until June 2025, with the club “delighted” by his progress with Barnet.
Tottenham goalkeeping future in safe hands
For a player with no previous experience of senior football to move to a National League side and become their instant number-one is very impressive.
It appears that Spurs have their position between the sticks sorted for the next decade and a half.
Guglielmo Vicario is only 27 which means by the time he decides to hang up his boots, Keeley could be ready to step into his role, provided Spurs can keep hold of the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international for that many years.
They clearly rate the shot-stopper highly, and off the back of this recent contract decision, Keeley will be expecting big things when he returns to Hotspur Way in the summer, perhaps in the form of a loan higher up the leagues.
Ange Postecoglou might be wise to include the youngster on Spurs’ pre-season tour in the summer to take a close look at him.
For now, Keeley will look to continue impressing in the National League with Barnet.
In other Tottenham news, one 83 per cent Spurs ace stepped up as the club moved second in an all-time Premier League list.
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