The 29yo is heading to Juventus on a season-long loan from Tottenham.
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has sealed a return to Italy in a move to Juventus (pending official confirmation) after three years in the Premier League.
Guglielmo Vicario arrived in Italy earlier on Monday for his Juventus medical ahead of a proposed loan move, which includes an £8.5m option to buy. It follows the Turin giants’ attempts to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, which collapsed due to doubts over his recent injury woes.
This prompted the Italian club to go all in for Vicario and reach a season-long loan agreement with Tottenham.
Luciano Spalletti hails Juventus signing Guglielmo Vicario
Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has expressed his delight following the arrival of Vicario, insisting Juventus have secured a “top player” despite his recent struggles at Tottenham. Speaking after a pre-season friendly against Juventus Next Gen at the Allianz Stadium, Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia (h/t La Gazzetta Dello Sport):
“I’m satisfied, he (Vicario) was one of those we had in our sights. There were some situations that dragged on, but we are happy that he is with us. I know him very well, he is an experienced goalkeeper who has had his maturity. It wasn’t so positive his last period at Tottenham, but we’re convinced we’ve signed a top player.”
Big opportunity for Vicario to prove his credentials
Vicario had endured a mixed time at Tottenham, impressing in his first season in North London before beginning to show more unconvincing moments with his feet as well as deliveries from set-pieces. Catastrophic errors in games against Fulham and Nottingham Forest last season certainly had a huge impact on the Italian shot-stopper’s confidence and form.
A hernia surgery during the March international coincided with Roberto De Zerbi’s appointment as the club’s new head coach. Antonin Kinsky started deputising for the injured Vicario and delivering strong performances. When Vicario recovered before the last couple of games, De Zerbi chose to stick with Kinsky in goal.
As Kinsky has been promoted as the club’s new No.1, Vicario knew his time at White Hart Lane was over. He had been angling for a move away from Spurs since the start of the summer, and finally, the Italian is back to his homeland.
At Juventus, he gets a glorious opportunity to resurrect his career and prove his credentials. Should Vicario live up to the lofty expectations at the Allianz Stadium and cement his status as the No.1, the Bianconeri would be happy to trigger an £8.5m buy option in his clause and sign him permanently from Tottenham in 2027.