A surprise move by Mauricio Pochettino, brought Paulo Gazzaniga, born in the same town as the Spurs manager, to Tottenham to back up Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm in the summer of 2017. Tall and lithe, it was a move that came out of the blue, as the goalkeeper had little Premier League experience, but had played a season in Spain on loan.
Paulo began his career in the youth system of Valencia in Spain and the keeper failed to break through to the senior squad ending with the club releasing him in May 2011, but on recommendation of Gary Penrice (Wigan Athletic's European scout) to Andy Hessenthaler, he signed for Gillingham. Played a number of games in a good run in the first team, which brought him into the spotlight and the following summer, he was snapped up by Southampton, newly promoted to the Premier League, with former Tottenham youth keeper Tommy Forecast going in the opposite direction. Signed as cover for the Saints two first team keepers, Paulo only got a few appearances here and there, so in 2015-16 he was sent out on loan to Rayo Vallecano in Spain, where he had a full season of games.
On his return, Tottenham moved for him to add to the goalkeeper's union at the club, paying around £2.5 million and he soon got his chance, thrown in against Crystal Palace when Lloris was injured and Vorm ill. He played very well on his debut and looked a prospect to take over as the number two keeper from Vorm in the future.