Tottenham set to sign Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli

Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will move to Tottenham Hotspur for €19 million, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Vicario’s impressive performances for Empoli during the past season have caught the attention of Spurs, who have been seeking a reliable shot-stopper.

Following negotiations, the deal is close to completion. Vicario will arrive in London within the next few hours to complete the signing of a five-year contract, which will keep him at the club until 2028.

While the formalities are still in the works, the process should conclude smoothly in the coming days.

Tottenham’s pursuit of Vicario stemmed from their interest in Brentford’s David Raya, valued at £40 million by his club.

After deeming this price tag excessive, Spurs opted for the more economical option of securing the Vicario.

The acquisition of Vicario signifies a notable shift for Tottenham, as they have relied on Hugo Lloris as their first-choice goalkeeper for over a decade.

However, Lloris’s inconsistent performances last season prompted the club to seek a fresh talent to take charge between the posts.

Vicario joined Empoli on loan from Cagliari in 2021 and made 71 appearances for the club.

During the 2021/22 season, the 26-year-old particularly impressed while on loan, showcasing his exceptional shot-stopping abilities and keeping seven clean sheets for the Italian side.

Empoli made Vicario’s move permanent for a fee of £7.3m. In the subsequent 2022/23 season, he featured in 31 Serie A matches and the Italian shot-stopper kept seven clean sheets.

His consistent performances have established him as a capable goalkeeper, prompting Tottenham’s decision to secure his services.

Vicario is a promising addition to the ranks, offering renewed strength and stability to their backline.

They still need to strengthen other areas of their squad and are pursuing a deal for Leicester City duo Harvey Barnes and James Maddison.