Tottenham Hotspur has finalized the signing of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli in a transfer agreement valued at an initial fee of £17.2m. The talented shot-stopper, who represents Italy on the international stage, has committed to a contract with Spurs that will extend until 2028. Vicario will don the No. 13 jersey as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.
Vicario’s impressive two-year stint with Empoli showcased his abilities between the posts, accumulating an impressive tally of 71 appearances across various competitions in Serie A. These eye-catching performances also earned him his maiden call-up to the Italian national team in September 2022, further highlighting his rising stature within the footballing world.
The comprehensive agreement between Tottenham and Empoli includes additional bonuses beyond the initial fee, demonstrating the club’s confidence in Vicario’s potential and their commitment to securing his services for the long term.
It is widely speculated that Vicario’s arrival will serve as a direct replacement for Hugo Lloris, Tottenham’s veteran goalkeeper who has spent an illustrious 11 years at the club. Lloris, a World Cup winner, has indicated his desire for a new challenge, potentially leading to his departure from Spurs this summer.
Tottenham’s acquisition of Vicario marks the beginning of what promises to be a busy transfer window for the club. Following the addition of the goalkeeper, their immediate focus turns to bolstering their defensive line and strengthening their attacking midfield.
Among their targets for the center-back position are Edmond Tapsoba from Bayer Leverkusen and Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg. Tapsoba, an international player from Burkina Faso, showcased his talents with over 40 appearances for Bayer last season, including notable contributions in the UEFA Champions League. Van de Ven, a left-footed center-back, caught the attention with 33 appearances for Wolfsburg during the previous campaign.
The potential departures of current defenders Davinson Sanchez and Clement Lenglet could significantly impact Tottenham’s defensive strategy, determining the number of center-backs they pursue during this transfer window.
In addition to defensive reinforcements, Spurs are keen on securing an attacking midfielder to enhance their creative options. The primary target for this role is James Maddison, and negotiations with Leicester City are already at an advanced stage as Tottenham seeks to secure his signature.
With the signing of Guglielmo Vicario and ongoing discussions for further acquisitions, Tottenham Hotspur is making its intentions clear, aiming to strengthen the squad and build a competitive team capable of achieving their ambitions in domestic and European competitions.