- Spurs are interested in Dean Henderson
- Goalkeeper has established cult hero status at Palace
- Any move would be a sure downgrade
Dean Henderson has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. He’s played a key role in Crystal Palace’s rise to success and is unsurprisingly on the radar of many top clubs.
Henderson’s newfound leadership role was not only warranted but also a smart move from Oliver Glasner. He gets what it means to represent Palace; he understands the feelings, thoughts, and motivations of the fanbase, and his performances have continued to provide a strong foundation for the team to succeed.
Attracting interest, but would Henderson leave?
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen to bolster their goalkeeping department, with Gugliemo Vicario and Antonin Kinsky deemed unfit for the number one role at the club.
James Trafford remains one of the names on their wishlist, but his recent performances for Manchester City have demonstrated that he is more than capable of battling Gianluigi Donnarumma for the number one shirt at the Etihad.
Tottenham insider Ben Wenham told Tottenham News:
“The other one I think they’d go for is Dean Henderson – they’ll have an English goalkeeper next season, and it’ll likely be one of those two.”
Whilst there is little legs to this rumour, it feels important to ask the question of whether Henderson would even want to leave Palace, let alone for Spurs.
After their 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, Spurs are now very much solidified in the relegation zone, and the likelihood that they play Championship football next season grows greater by the week.
If Spurs are to go down, there would surely be little sense in Henderson downgrading from his current contract. Even if the Lilywhites survive, a move to North London makes little sense in football terms.
They will not be playing European Football next season, and they are in a position where the appeal of playing for the club extends little beyond the amount of money they would be willing to offer.
Cult hero status at Palace, or another name at Spurs
The reality of the situation is that Henderson has immortalised himself at Palace, playing a vital role in the FA Cup final win, where he saved Omar Marmoush’s penalty, amongst a host of top saves in the final.
Should he continue to perform, and Palace are able to win another trophy this season in the Conference League, Henderson’s legacy at Palace would simply be untouchable.
Of course, with that success would come further European ventures, and Henderson would be foolish to trade that level of exposure for a slightly more handsome contract.
There is an opportunity for him to cement himself as a Palace legend. His actions on the pitch and his interactions with fans suggest he’d be a tough catch for any side, especially one that has seemingly struggled despite the players and management it employs.
The truth is this rumour has little legs, and Henderson would be much better positioned should he remain number one at Selhurst Park.
