Fabrizio Romano gives ‘here we go’ to crucial Tottenham signing as official bid hits sweet spot

Tottenham Hotspur have struck an agreement to make Guglielmo Vicario their next goalkeeper by signing him from Empoli, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

Spurs have been searching for a new goalkeeper this summer to succeed Hugo Lloris as their number one. There is still a year left on the captain’s contract, but both he and the club seem ready to move in different directions.

Tottenham were looking at Brentford’s David Raya as his potential replacement. However, the asking price for the Spaniard proved to be too high, despite him agreeing personal terms with Spurs.

Amid that stalemate, there could have been worries that Tottenham’s goalkeeper search would drag out. But much like they eventually managed to appoint Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach in decent time before their search for Antonio Conte’s successor got out of hand, any such fears have now been allayed.

Indeed, Tottenham have settled on Vicario as the man to improve their goalkeeping department. He has just completed a standout second consecutive season in Serie A with Empoli.

Earlier on Thursday, Romano confirmed Vicario had agreed personal terms with Tottenham. At the time, there was an expectation that their bid to Empoli would be accepted as well.

And later that same day, Romano has now provided the ‘here we go’ update that Spurs have been waiting for.

Tottenham made an official bid of €19m (£16.3m) to Empoli for Vicario and it has led to them securing an agreement with his soon-to-be former club.

Vicario on his way to Tottenham

Vicario is now due to travel to London within a matter of hours to finalise the transfer. The 26-year-old’s contract will last until 2028.

Tottenham will be providing the Italian with his first taste of Premier League football – or any action outside his native country, for that matter.

After coming through the ranks but failing to make a senior appearance for his hometown club Udinese, Vicario has gone on to have spells with Fontanafredda, Venezia, Cagliari, Perugia and Empoli.

He has also been called up for the senior Italy national team before, without being able to make his debut for Roberto Mancini’s side yet.

This season, Vicario only conceded 39 goals from 31 Serie A appearances for Empoli. Considering his side finished in the bottom half of the table, it was an exemplary record.

Joining Tottenham will be a step up in his career, even if no European football is on offer for the Lilywhites next season.

Despite Lloris’ recent decline in form, Vicario will have a tough act to follow due to his predecessor’s longevity in the role. But it is time for a new era at Tottenham and they have chosen who to trust for it.

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