Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that they have signed Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli, subject to international clearance and a work permit.
Vicario has signed a contract with Spurs until 2028. The 26-year-old becomes Tottenham’s second signing of the transfer window following in the footsteps of Dejan Kulusevski, who spent the last 18 months in north London on loan from Juventus and has now sealed a permanent switch.
Vicario underwent his medical at Hotspur Way on Monday ahead of the transfer which is said to be in excess of £16 million to bring the shot-stopper to the Premier League (talkSPORT).
Tottenham had been linked with a move for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, however, their £40million valuation of the Spaniard who only has a year left on his contract saw Spurs set their sights elsewhere (Evening Standard).
Spurs confirm Guglielmo Vicario transfer
SANTA MARGHERITA DI PULA, ITALY – JUNE 06: Guglielmo Vicario of Italy looks on during training session at Forte Village Resort on June 06, 2023 in Santa Margherita di Pula, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
He made 32 appearances in Serie A this season as Empoli finished 14th and his performances had seen a number of clubs take an interest in him including Inter Milan, Juventus, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Brighton (Football.London).
He was born in Udine in North-East Italy and began his career with hometown club Udinese and had to work his way up the Italian lower leagues with the likes of Fontanafredda, Venezia and Perugia.
He only reached Italy’s top flight with a move to Cagliari in 2020, but it was only when he joined Empoli on loan a year later that he became a Serie A regular, before making the move permanent last summer.
Vicario’s arrival could pave the way for Spurs club captain Hugo Lloris to leave the club this summer.
Bio: Who is Guglielmo Vicario? All you need to know about Spurs’ new goalkeeper
SpursWeb Opinion
Vicario is certainly highly rated in his homeland, especially for his ball distribution which is something that has been missing from their game with Hugo Lloris between the sticks.
Lloris has been a brilliant servant over the years for Tottenham, however, the game has evolved and the need for a keeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet is essential. You only have to look as far as Ederson or Alison Becker to see what impact they can have on creating chances from the back.
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