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 the club’s decision to end talks with Aston Villa over their goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

From Martinez to Vicario: Juventus Changes Course

The Turin club had spent several weeks negotiating for Martinez, but the Premier League side stood firm on a €15 million (£12.8 million) price tag, which ultimately halted the transfer. Shifting focus, Juventus quickly secured Vicario, a 29-year-old Italian international who left Serie A in 2023 for Tottenham.

Loan Terms and Financial Details

According to Tuttosport, the deal is structured as a loan with a non-mandatory purchase option of €10.5 million (£9 million). This setup lets Juventus evaluate Vicario’s performance throughout the season before deciding on a permanent transfer, offering a more budget-friendly alternative compared to previous targets.

Tottenham’s New Goalkeeper Plans

Vicario’s exit aligns with Tottenham’s evolving strategy under coach Roberto De Zerbi, who favors Antonin Kinsky as his number one goalkeeper. Vicario experienced a challenging season at Spurs, marked by some costly errors and losing his starting position after undergoing hernia surgery in March.

Effect on Juventus’ Goalkeeper Lineup

Vicario arrives after three eventful years in England, initially joining Tottenham from Empoli for around €20 million. His addition disrupts the current Juventus goalkeeping setup, with him expected to claim the starting spot. This development casts doubt over Michele Di Gregorio’s future, as reports from Fabrizio Romano suggest he has been offered on loan to Marseille and other European teams.

Spalletti’s Goalkeeper Choice

Coach Luciano Spalletti values a goalkeeper skilled in playing out from the back—a quality Vicario displayed early in his Tottenham tenure. Despite a dip in form later on, Juventus staff believe returning to Serie A’s tactical environment will help Vicario regain his best level.

Part of Juventus’ Summer Revamp

This signing complements other recent moves like acquiring Jhon Lucumi from Bologna. The new goalkeeper will bolster a defense undergoing significant changes as Vicario prepares to adapt to Spalletti’s system.