Juventus Secures Guglielmo Vicario on Loan from Tottenham After Dropping Emiliano Martinez Pursuit
Juventus has reached an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur to bring goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario back to Italy on a loan deal that includes an option to buy. This move follows Juventus stepping away from their interest in Aston Villa and Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez.
Shifting Focus from Martinez to Vicario
After weeks of talks with Aston Villa over Martinez, Juventus decided to drop the pursuit when Villa stuck to a €15 million (£12.8 million) price tag. Quickly turning their attention elsewhere, the Turin club secured Vicario’s return from Tottenham, marking a homecoming for the Italian shot-stopper who left Serie A in 2023.
Loan Deal Details and Financial Terms
The arrangement is a loan featuring a non-binding purchase option set at €10.5 million (£9 million), according to Tuttosport. This setup allows Juventus to assess Vicario’s performance during the season before deciding on a permanent transfer, offering a more budget-friendly alternative compared to their earlier targets.
Tottenham’s Goalkeeper Plans Under De Zerbi
Vicario’s exit signals a shift in Tottenham’s strategy under manager Roberto De Zerbi, who has identified Antonin Kinsky as his preferred first-choice goalkeeper. Vicario’s time in London was uneven; he showed promise but also made costly errors and lost his spot after undergoing hernia surgery in March.
Effect on Juventus’ Goalkeeping Roster
Vicario joins Juventus following three years in England, having arrived at Spurs from Empoli for around €20 million. He initially took over from Hugo Lloris but now looks set to become Juventus' starting goalkeeper. This development casts doubt on the future of current Juve keeper Michele Di Gregorio, who is reportedly being offered on loan to clubs like Marseille.
Spalletti’s Goalkeeper Choice and Tactical Fit
Coach Luciano Spalletti has prioritized a goalkeeper comfortable playing from the back, a skill Vicario demonstrated early at Tottenham. Although his form dipped later, Juventus staff believe returning to Serie A’s tactical demands will help Vicario regain his best form. This signing complements Juventus’ wider summer rebuild, which includes defender Jhon Lucumi from Bologna, as they strengthen their defense for the upcoming season.
