Tottenham are expected to invest in a new goalkeeper in the summer amid Guglielmo Vicario’s exit links.
Defensive reinforcements appear to be very much the need of the hour for Tottenham Hotspur. The 4-1 mauling at the hands of Arsenal highlighted the Lilywhites’ problems at the back. And adding a new goalkeeper could become a priority for Spurs later this year amid speculation surrounding Guglielmo Vicario’s future at the club.
Vicario has been linked with a move back to Italy for some months now, and he’s wanted by Inter Milan. Recently, Juventus have entered the race for the 29-year-old, who hasn’t proved himself to be a reliable goalkeeper at Tottenham. After three up-and-down years, he could return to Italy if either Inter Milan or Juventus firm up their interest.
As a result, Spurs will need to be in the market for a new No.1 before the 2026/27 campaign commences.
Tottenham get surprise boost in the chase for Premier League goalkeeper
Tottenham have started identifying potential replacements for Vicario. Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is among those on the radar of the Lilywhites, having scouted him extensively this season.
Bart Verbruggen has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best goalkeepers since moving to Brighton from Anderlecht in 2023. He has been a reliable presence in between the sticks for the Seagulls and is now also the Netherlands No.1 under Ronald Koeman. However, with interest rising in the 23-year-old, there is a chance of him departing Brighton at the end of the season.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Brighton are ready to promote a goalkeeper from the academy to replace Verbruggen if he leaves. The Sussex-based side will not pursue a big-money replacement and remain calm regarding their succession plan.
Carl Rushworth, extremely highly-rated within the Amex Stadium, could be promoted to the first team. The 24-year-old has impressed on several loans away from Brighton, and despite not making a single first-team appearance for the club, they view Rushworth as a potential replacement for Verbruggen. It’d be a risky business for the Seagulls, but Verbruggen’s suitors won’t care.
Brighton value Verbruggen at £50m, and signing the Dutch shot-stopper for that price would ideally not be a problem for his suitors from Europe. Fabian Hurzeler’s side, having plans to bank on Rushworth if their current No.1 departs, should come as a boost for Tottenham. The Lilywhites desperately require a dependable goalkeeper, and Vicario has shown that he is not that guy, with fans turning on him this season.
At 23, Verbruggen could solve Spurs’ long-term goalkeeping problem. He’d be an upgrade on Vicario, offering stability, calmness and reliability to the side. The Netherlands international is also a fine distributor of the ball, and while he can be casual at times, overall, he’d improve Tottenham’s defensive unit.
However, with several clubs keen on the Brighton star, Tottenham may find it difficult to convince Verbruggen to become a part of their project.