Tottenham sign Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario as they search for Hugo Lloris replacement
Tottenham have completed the signing of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli.
Guglielmo Vicario.<p>
Guglielmo Vicario has departed Italian club Empoli and joined Tottenham on a permanent transfer. </p>
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Spurs had been searching for a long-term successor for captain Hugo Lloris, who is approaching the final 12 months of his deal and made clear his desire for a new challenge earlier this month. </p>
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While discussions took place with Brentford number one David Raya over a potential move across London, his £40million price tag saw Tottenham turn their attention elsewhere. </p>
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Vicario had long been tracked by the club as a candidate for Lloris and he has now become new boss Ange Postecoglou's second signing. </p>
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The Italian, who has been called up to various national team camps, has signed a five-year deal at Tottenham in a move reported to be worth 19million euros (£16.4m). </p>
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Vicario has 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. </p>
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The 26-year-old started out at Udinese before featuring in the Italian lower-leagues with Venezia, who he helped rise through the divisions up to Serie B. </p>
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A move to Cagliari followed in 2019 but with chances hard to come by, it took a loan at Perugia and faith from Empoli to earn Vicario an opportunity in Italy's top flight. </p>
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During two campaigns at Empoli, the first on loan, Vicario shone to earn widespread praise in his homeland, including from goalkeeping great Gianluigi Buffon. </p>
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Vicario will now attempt to establish himself in the Premier League and follow in the footsteps of Carlo Cudicini, another Italian stopper who represented Chelsea and Tottenham. </p>
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The arrival of Vicario now switches Spurs' focus to the future of Lloris, who could be allowed to leave this summer on a free transfer following 11 years in north London. </p>
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Fraser Forster deputised last season when Lloris was injured and is contracted to the club until June 2024. </p>
<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/news/tottenham-sign-empoli-goalkeeper-guglielmo-vicario-search-hugo-lloris-replacement">Tottenham sign Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario as they search for Hugo Lloris replacement </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>