One game all season: Spurs should axe £75k-p/w dud earning 50% more than Van de Ven
The seasoned professional is pulling in a salary comparable to that of some of the top performers on the team.
Despite a recent dip in form, this season has been particularly rewarding for supporters of Tottenham Hotspur.
Under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, a team that appeared destined for hardship after the setbacks of the 2022/23 season has been transformed into one of the most dynamic in the country.
This transformation was greatly aided by astute signings during the summer transfer window, including notable acquisitions such as James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario, and Micky van de Ven.
While Tottenham’s management, led by Daniel Levy, seems to have made sound decisions regarding new additions, there is one peripheral player whose substantial salary is raising eyebrows.
Fraser Forster, an English goalkeeper with limited playing time, joined Spurs in June 2022 following the expiration of his contract with Southampton.
While securing him on a free transfer was advantageous, questions arise about the justification for offering him a £75,000-per-week contract, given his sporadic appearances for his previous clubs.
Despite a commendable performance last season when called upon to fill in for the injured Hugo Lloris, Forster has seen minimal action this season, making only one appearance in a League Cup match against Fulham.
Considering his salary over the 90 weeks he has been with the club, Forster has cost Tottenham approximately £6.7 million, equating to around £319,000 per appearance.
Comparing Forster’s wages to those of his teammates highlights the apparent disparity. For instance, highly regarded defender Micky van de Ven earns significantly less at £50,000-per-week, despite his consistent contributions to the team’s success.
| Forster’s wage compared to his teammates | |
|---|---|
| Player | Wage |
| Fraser Forster | £75k |
| Guglielmo Vicario | £75k |
| Destiny Udogie | £75k |
| Rodrigo Bentancur | £75k |
| Micky van de Ven | £50k |
| All Data via Capology | |
Similarly, other key players such as Rodrigo Bentancur, Destiny Udogie, and Guglielmo Vicario are all earning the same as Forster, despite their more significant roles on the team.
Moreover, when compared to backup goalkeepers across the Premier League, Forster’s salary appears excessive. For instance, Manchester United’s Tom Heaton and Altay Bayindir earn considerably less, as do Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic and Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher.
Forster’s wage compared to other PL backup keepers
Player
Club
Wage
Tottenham Hotspur
£75k
Manchester City
£55k
Manchester United
£45k
Manchester United
£35k
Chelsea
£25k
Liverpool
£10k
Ultimately, there is no denying that Spurs are currently spending a lot of money on Forster, and while he’s a totally serviceable backup keeper, it does seem unusual to pay a player who likely won’t play again this season more than one of the team’s essential starters.
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