While Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League status hangs in the balance, Guglielmo Vicario’s future looks set in stone.
Regardless of whether Spurs stay up or go into the Championship, Vicario is expected to leave the club this summer. He has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan, who are looking to replace Yann Sommer. The latter’s contract with Nerazzurri expires in the summer.
Vicario has faced a lot of criticism this season due to his underwhelming performances. He has also had to deal with a hernia for weeks before undergoing surgery in March. However, overall, the Italian has been excellent for Spurs.
Tottenham signed Vicario from Empoli for £17 million in 2023. He’s made some unbelievable saves in his time at the club and also had some of the best passing stats under Ange Postecoglou. However, Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor demanded that he go long, which wasn’t his strength.
Nevertheless, it appears the 29-year-old is set to join Inter Milan in the summer. As such, Tottenham are looking for his replacements.
Top 5 Vicario replacements for Tottenham (Ranked)
Note: These are based on the assumption that Tottenham avoid relegation
5. Mile Svilar
Svilar has been exceptional for AS Roma since arriving on a free transfer in 2022. He was named Serie A’s goalkeeper of the year last season and is a leading contender for it this season as well. He has kept 14 clean sheets in 32 league games for Roma.
The Serbiansza international is also excellent with his feet and provides a lot of calmness in defense. He would be an incredible signing for Tottenham if they can manage it.
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However, he could cost over £60 million with his contract expiring in 2030, which could be too much for Spurs. As per TeamTalk, Chelsea are also interested in Svilar.
4. Robin Roefs
The Sunderland goalkeeper has been excellent in his first season in the Premier League this campaign. He joined the Black Cats from NEC Nijmegen last summer and has helped them keep 10 clean sheets in 31 games across competitions.
As per Fotmob, Roefs has the second-highest save percentage in the Premier League with 73%, behind Gianluigi Donnarumma with 73.6%. He is fifth in the list of most clean sheets in the league this season.
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While he joined them for £11.5 million, Sunderland will demand around £60 million for his transfer this summer, as per The Sun. His contract expires in 2030, and Chelsea are also keen on signing him.
3. Noah Atubolu
The German goalkeeper came through Freiburg’s academy and has been exceptional for them. Noah Atubolu has kept 38 clean sheets in 116 appearances for the German side. He set the record for saving five consecutive penalties in the Bundesliga last year.
This would be a big change for Tottenham, who have seen Vicario struggle with penalties. However, just like the Italian, Atubolu can also struggle on set pieces. He is 23, though, and can comfortably improve under the right coach.
Tottenham are keen on signing Atubolu, and he will cost them around £23 million. Based on the transfer fee, his strengths, and age, the Freiburg shotstopper could be a great signing for the north London side.
2. James Trafford
The Englishman has been highly linked with an exit from Manchester City despite joining them last summer from Burnley. He is looking for regular playing time after the Cityzens signed Donnarumma and made him the first-choice goalkeeper. Tottenham are among the clubs interested in Trafford.
Trafford could solve multiple issues at Spurs. Not only is he an excellent goalkeeper and knows the Premier League, but he is also homegrown.
Tottenham have had a lot of issues with homegrown and club-trained rules in recent years. While many of their young players will be eligible for these parameters in 2027, Trafford could join in the summer.
The 23-year-old has already helped Manchester City win the Carabao Cup and reach the FA Cup semi-finals. Hence, he would also bring a winning experience to the north London side.
1. Bart Verbruggen
The Brighton goalkeeper must be high on Tottenham’s list this summer if they stay up. Not only is he an excellent shot stopper, but he is also excellent with his feet. He is fourth on the list of the highest save percentages in the Premier League this season, with 71.1%.
Verbruggen also played 27 games under De Zerbi, acting almost like a third centre-back at times. He knows the Italian coach’s system and would be a perfect fit. However, Verbruggen’s future weirdly depends on Manuel Neuer.
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The Dutch international’s contract with Brighton expires in 2028, and he is widely expected to leave this summer. Hence, if Tottenham stay up, Verbruggen would be a perfect replacement for Vicario.
Vicario has been a huge presence for Spurs in the last three seasons, not just as a goalkeeper, but also as a character. Hence, replacing him in the squad would not be as easy as it appears.
However, there are multiple options Tottenham can turn to as they look to rebuild their squad under De Zerbi.
