Tottenham handed surprise boost in search for new No.1 as summer exit looms

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Dec 23, 2025 9:31 AM ET

Tottenham have received a surprise boost in their bid to replace goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario at the end of the season.

Guglielmo Vicario‘s status as Tottenham Hotspur No.1 has taken some serious hits in the last two months. The Italian notably committed mistakes in Spurs’ defeats to Fulham and Nottingham Forest, attracting heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Thomas Frank has supported Guglielmo Vicario during this rough spell, even going so far as to call sections of the Tottenham fans “not real”. The 29-year-old, however, reportedly wants out of Spurs next summer, having grown tired of difficult seasons in the Premier League. The ongoing campaign could turn out to be his final one in a Tottenham shirt as he seeks a return to Italy.

Inter Milan have emerged as the frontrunners for the Spurs shot-stopper’s signature. Vicario is viewed as a potential long-term replacement for Yann Sommer, as Inter Milan look to lure him away from Tottenham by offering him improved wages than what he currently earns in England.

As per Football Insider’s transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke, the Lilywhites have no plans to move Vicario on during the forthcoming winter transfer window. However, they are planning for the Italy international’s long-term replacement, having grown tired of his errors in goal.

Tottenham receive surprise boost in pursuit of Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen

Bart Verbruggen of Brighton has been shortlisted by Tottenham. Having emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League since moving to Brighton from Anderlecht in 2023, the Dutchman is being closely monitored ahead of a possible move in the summer.

Spurs are planning to make changes to their goalkeeping department at the end of the season, and recent developments prove that Brighton feels Bart Verbruggen could be on his way to White Hart Lane. In a rather welcome and surprise boost, according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon, the Seagulls are already making contingency plans as they fear their No.1 is on his way out. They have been watching Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser for several weeks, perhaps in the wake of Verbruggen’s links to Spurs.

Brighton is a very well-run club, backed by a fantastic scouting network. Just like they brought in Verbruggen to replace Robert Sanchez in 2023, the Sussex-based club’s officials are now potentially preparing for life without the Dutchman. This development should be viewed positively by Tottenham, who have been impressed by the performances of Verbruggen in the Premier League.

If Vicario leaves at the end of the season, which appears a big possibility amid Inter Milan links, the Lilywhites must go all out for the Brighton star to replace him in goal.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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