Tottenham plans to invest in a new goalkeeper this summer amid links with Guglielmo Vicario’s departure.
Tottenham Hotspur is in urgent need of defensive improvements. The recent 4-1 loss to Arsenal revealed significant issues in their defense. A new goalkeeper is a top priority, especially with ongoing speculation about Guglielmo Vicario’s future at the club.
Vicario has been linked to a return to Italy for several months, with Inter Milan showing interest. Recently, Juventus has also entered the mix for the 29-year-old, who has struggled to establish himself as a reliable goalkeeper at Tottenham. After three inconsistent years, he could return to Italy if either Inter Milan or Juventus makes a solid offer.
Consequently, Spurs need to search for a new first-choice goalkeeper before the 2026/27 season begins.
Tottenham gains unexpected advantage in targeting a Premier League goalkeeper
Tottenham has begun scouting potential replacements for Vicario. Brighton and Hove Albion’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, is one of the options the club is considering after closely monitoring his performance this season.
Since joining Brighton from Anderlecht in 2023, Bart Verbruggen has emerged as one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League. He has been a consistent performer for Brighton and is now also the Netherlands’ top goalkeeper under Ronald Koeman. However, with increasing interest in the 23-year-old, he might leave Brighton at the end of the season.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Brighton plans to promote a goalkeeper from their academy if Verbruggen departs. The club isn’t looking to spend big on a replacement and seems confident in their succession strategy.
Carl Rushworth, who is highly regarded at the Amex Stadium, could be elevated to the first team. The 24-year-old has shown promise during several loan spells, and despite not having made a first-team appearance yet, Brighton views him as a potential successor for Verbruggen. This approach may carry some risk, but it won’t deter Verbruggen’s potential suitors.
Brighton has set a price of £50m for Verbruggen, making it feasible for European clubs pursuing his signature. The prospect of promoting Rushworth should positively impact Tottenham’s search for a new goalkeeper. Spurs desperately need a reliable option, as Vicario has not met expectations this season, leading to discontent among supporters.
At just 23, Verbruggen could address Spurs’ long-term goalkeeping needs. He would provide an upgrade over Vicario by adding stability, composure, and reliability. Verbruggen is also an excellent ball distributor, and while he can be casual at times, he would enhance Tottenham’s defensive capabilities.
Nevertheless, with numerous clubs interested in the Brighton goalkeeper, Tottenham could face challenges in persuading Verbruggen to join their project.