Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has backed Antonin Kinsky to become “one of the best goalkeepers in Europe” after confirmation of his new contract.
Kinsky has now officially signed a fresh long-term deal at Spurs believed to be five years in length, featuring enhanced terms and the option of a further 12 months.
It is a significant show of faith from Tottenham in the 23-year-old, whose career at the club looked all but over after he was substituted by former head coach Igor Tudor after only 17 minutes of a Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid in March.
Kinsky - previously the deputy to regular No1 Guglielmo Vicario - was surprisingly selected for a rare start in Spain, but two early slips led directly to Atletico goals and he was hooked with Spurs already trailing 3-0 after quarter of an hour.
A horror evening led to inevitable doubts over the Czech’s Tottenham future, though he later enjoyed a stunning resurgence under De Zerbi as he started all seven games following the latter’s appointment to replace Tudor and played a vital role as Spurs avoided relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season.
Barring another new arrival amid links to the likes of England’s James Trafford, Kinsky now looks set to become Spurs’ regular first-choice goalkeeper, with Vicario widely expected to return to Serie A this summer after attracting interest from Juventus, among other suitors.
Martin Dubravka will join Tottenham this week on a free transfer after the conclusion of his contract at relegated Burnley and is expected to provide cover for Kinsky, with Brandon Austin likely to continue in his role as No3.
“Toni [Kinsky] was outstanding over the final seven games of the season and a key part of what we achieved in that period,” said Spurs head coach De Zerbi.
“I am delighted he has committed his future to the club. He has earned this new contract, not only with his performances but also his professionalism and desire to improve.
“We have huge belief in what Toni can become. He is still young, has enormous potential and I know that Spurs is the perfect place for him to continue to develop into one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.”
After his new contract was confirmed, Kinsky said: “I'm so happy and I can feel the trust from the club. When I joined 18 months ago, my expectations were to fight for my place in the team and to wear this shirt every week.
“It's been a real journey to get here and a nice story already, and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead over the next months and years.
“Everyone around the club feels that we can have a successful season and I want to contribute to that. We want to give the fans what they want and what this Club deserves.”