Tottenham and Aston Villa Monitoring Benfica Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin Amid Growing Transfer Interest
Anatoliy Trubin has once again emerged as one of the most intriguing goalkeeper names in the summer transfer market, with several Premier League clubs closely monitoring his situation at Benfica.
The Ukrainian international has enjoyed a remarkable rise since completing his move from Benfica’s former rivals, Shakhtar Donetsk, in 2023. The Portuguese giants secured his services in a deal worth an initial €10 million, with a further €1 million included in performance-related bonuses. Since arriving in Lisbon, Trubin has steadily established himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Portuguese football.
The 24-year-old played a key role for Benfica throughout the 2025/26 campaign, making 32 appearances in Liga Portugal and delivering a string of impressive performances between the posts. His consistency, shot-stopping ability, and commanding presence in the penalty area have attracted attention from clubs across Europe, particularly in England.
Trubin’s long-term ambition is believed to be a move to one of Europe’s elite leagues, with the Premier League reportedly viewed as his preferred destination. As a result, speculation surrounding his future has intensified in recent weeks.
Among the clubs credited with the strongest interest is Aston Villa. The Midlands side are said to regard Trubin as a leading candidate to replace current first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez should the World Cup winner leave Villa Park this summer. Villa’s recruitment team has reportedly been impressed by Trubin’s development and believes he possesses the qualities required to succeed in English football.
The numbers from his most recent league campaign certainly support that assessment. Across approximately 2,880 minutes of league action, Trubin recorded 73 saves while conceding only 24 goals. He also kept 13 clean sheets and maintained a save percentage of between 75 and 76 percent, depending on the statistical provider. His goals-against average stood at an impressive 0.75 per 90 minutes, while he averaged more than two saves per game.
Perhaps most notably, advanced metrics suggest the Benfica goalkeeper prevented approximately 3.5 goals more than expected, highlighting his ability to make difficult saves and deliver positive value to his team beyond standard goalkeeping statistics.
For comparison, Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario recorded a goals-against figure of around 1.48 per 90 minutes over a similar number of matches, illustrating why some observers believe Trubin could represent a significant upgrade or at least provide serious competition in North London.
Tottenham have also been linked with the Ukrainian shot-stopper in recent months. The club’s interest is thought to be connected to uncertainty surrounding Vicario’s long-term future, with reports suggesting that Inter Milan are monitoring the Italian goalkeeper. Even if Vicario remains at the club, Spurs may still look to strengthen the position as they prepare for another demanding campaign across multiple competitions.
Despite the growing interest, Benfica are under no pressure to sell. Trubin remains under contract until 2028, and the Portuguese club are determined to protect one of their most valuable assets. Sources indicate that Benfica are unwilling to consider offers below the €35 million to €40 million range, while the goalkeeper’s contract reportedly contains a release clause worth €100 million.
Although it appears highly unlikely that any interested club will activate the full release clause, Benfica’s strong negotiating position means they can afford to be patient. Nevertheless, the club could become more receptive if a substantial offer arrives that reflects Trubin’s importance and market value.
At present, the transfer rumours remain speculative, but momentum has undoubtedly increased throughout May and June. The combination of Premier League interest, uncertainty surrounding several clubs’ goalkeeping situations, and Trubin’s desire to test himself at a higher level has created conditions that could lead to significant developments before the transfer window closes.
With Aston Villa pushing strongly, Tottenham keeping a close eye on the situation, and Benfica standing firm on their valuation, Trubin is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched goalkeepers of the summer. Whether he remains in Portugal or secures a long-awaited move to England, his future is likely to remain a major talking point in the weeks ahead.
