Spurs scout publicly reveals interest in goalkeeper then resigns

A Tottenham Hotspur scout leaked a potential goalkeeper transfer target during a recent television interview. Jeff Vetere spoke with South American network Win Sports TV during a visit to Colombia. During the interview, Vetere spoke about the north London club being interested in signing goalkeeper Kevin Mier from Nacional.

Vetere raved about Colombia U23 keeper

The interviewer directly asked Vetere if he was tracking Mier while watching games in the area. The Spurs scout didn’t hesitate with his answer. “Yes, I went to Medellin to watch the Nacional game at the weekend,” said Vetere. “I was very impressed by the goalkeeper because of his attributes. He’s young. He was born in 2000, so he’s just 22.”

“I see a goalkeeper who does not lack anything to cross the pond,” the scout continued. “We are looking because it is our task to see who the best youngsters are for international football.”

“Taking advantage of my stay in Colombia, I took the opportunity to go there (Nacional) and meet a goalkeeper who is important to me. I think he’s going to play for the national side soon. He has things, for me, they are not normal for a boy of his age. I was surprised by his confidence and his handling of the ball.”

Goalkeeper interest by Tottenham scout no surprise

Spurs could certainly use new blood at the goalkeeping position. After all, the top two players in the position are 36 and 34. First choice keeper Hugo Lloris has an injury as of now, too. Both Lloris and backup Fraser Forster will only have one year remaining on their current contracts at the end of the campaign.

Vetere’s announcement regarding Mier did not thrill the club. Team officials called an emergency meeting about the scout’s revelation and reportedly planned on putting Vetere on probation. Instead, the scout resigned from his role with the club.

Spurs hired Vetere in September thanks to his friendship with Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici. The scout previously worked for Real Madrid, Newcastle, West Ham, and Aston Villa. His last role with a club before joining Spurs was as Birmingham’s director of football.

PHOTO: IMAGO / DeFodi