Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has completed his second signing.
Spurs have finalized the acquisition of Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
The North London club has been looking for a long-term replacement for captain Hugo Lloris, who is nearing the end of his contract and expressed his desire for a fresh challenge earlier this month.
While talks were ongoing with Brentford number one David Raya about a possible move across London, his £40 million price tag prompted Tottenham to look elsewhere.
Vicario has long been touted as a possible replacement for Lloris by the club, and he is now Postecoglou‘s second acquisition.
The Italian, who has been called up to several national team camps, has signed a five-year contract with Tottenham in a deal for 19 million euros (£16.4 million).
Vicario has been a standout for Empoli over the previous two seasons, saving eight penalties and establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising goalkeepers.
The 26-year-old began his career with Udinese before moving on to Venezia in the Italian lower leagues, where he helped the club ascend through the ranks to Serie B.
A transfer to Cagliari followed in 2019, but with opportunities few, it needed a loan at Perugia and trust from Empoli to win Vicario a place in Italy’s top flight.
Vicario starred throughout two seasons with Empoli, the first on loan, earning much accolades in his birthplace, even from goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon.
Vicario will now try to make a name for himself in the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Carlo Cudicini, another Italian goalkeeper who has played for Chelsea and Tottenham.
The acquisition of Vicario has shifted Spurs’ attention to the future of Lloris, who might be allowed to depart on a free transfer this summer after 11 years in north London.
When Lloris was injured last season, Fraser Forster stepped in and is under contract with the club until June 2024.
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