Welcome Guglielmo Vicario to Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur have signed Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Serie A side Empoli on a five-year contract. The 26-year-old impressed in his two years at Empoli, earning a first international call-up last season. Vicario is described by the north London club as a “commanding goalkeeper with the ability to play out from the back”.
Background of Guglielmo Vicario
Vicario started his career at Udinese and had spells at Cagliari, Perugia and Venezia before joining Empoli in July 2021 following their promotion to Serie A. Empoli were expected to be battling against relegation but the 6ft 4in keeper has helped them to consecutive 14th-place finishes. Last season Vicario conceded just 39 goals in 31 league appearances, keeping seven clean sheets, as Empoli finished 12 points clear of the drop zone.
International Call-up for Guglielmo Vicario
He received his first call-up to the Italy squad in September, when he was an unused substitute in their 1-0 home defeat by England in European Championship qualifying. Vicario has since been named on the bench for friendlies against Albania and Austria, and in their run to this month’s Nations League semi-final.
Competition for Hugo Lloris
Fraser Forster, 35, is another option in goal for Spurs and the England keeper deputised last season when Lloris was injured. Spurs captain and current number one Hugo Lloris has 12 months left on his contract. With the signing of Vicario, it looks like Lloris will have some competition for the starting spot between the sticks.
Conclusion
The signing of Guglielmo Vicario is a great move for Tottenham Hotspur as they look to build a team capable of challenging for trophies. Vicario has proven himself to be a reliable goalkeeper in Serie A and has earned his first international call-up with Italy. With the signing of Vicario, Spurs captain Hugo Lloris will have some competition for the starting spot between the sticks.