Tottenham have completed the £17 million signing of highly-rated Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli.
Spurs have been looking for a replacement for the ageing Hugo Lloris since last summer and made several enquiries for other options, including Brentford’s David Raya.
But the £40million price tag placed on Raya discouraged Tottenham, and they turned their attention elsewhere. Lloris is approaching the final 12 months of his deal and told the club of his desire for a new challenge earlier this month, so the signing of a new goalie was a priority for Ange Posteclogue.
It's been a journey to N17 🔬 pic.twitter.com/FUZl2xO7GD
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 27, 2023
New signing Vicario will now serve as Lloris’ replacement, with the 26-year-old signing a five-year contract.
The highly-rated Italian starred for Empoli during the last two seasons, saving eight penalties in that period to develop a reputation as one of the most promising goalkeepers in Europe.
He is the second signing under new manager Ange Postecoglou after Sweden midfielder Dejan Kulusevski turned his loan spell into a permanent move earlier this summer.
His arrival now switches Spurs’ focus to the future of Lloris, who could be allowed to leave this summer on a free transfer following eleven years with the club.
Meanwhile, Vicario will now attempt to establish himself in the Premier League and follow in the footsteps of Carlo Cudicini, a fellow Italian who represented Chelsea and Tottenham.
He will expect to become the club’s undisputed number one and will be deputised by 35-year-old Fraser Forster, who is contracted to the club until June 2024.
