Tottenham Hotspur faces a significant challenge as first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario recovers from ankle surgery. The Italian keeper, who played an incredible 60 minutes on a broken ankle during Spurs’ 4-0 victory over Manchester City, is now sidelined until February. This development has left Spurs relying on veteran Fraser Forster and academy graduate Brandon Austin, prompting discussions about bringing in reinforcements during the January transfer window.
January Transfer Plans
According to journalist Dan Kilpatrick, Spurs had initially planned to recruit a younger goalkeeper as competition for Vicario during the summer. However, those plans were deferred, leaving the team with the 36-year-old Forster and 25-year-old Austin as the primary backups. With Vicario’s extended absence, Spurs may accelerate their search for a replacement to bolster the squad.
The Current Dilemma
Forster, while experienced and dependable in certain scenarios, struggles with attributes critical to Ange Postecoglou’s tactical setup, such as mobility and ball distribution. His limitations are particularly noticeable in penalty situations and the dynamic, high-press system Spurs favor. Meanwhile, Austin has yet to earn significant playing time, highlighting the club’s lack of confidence in his readiness.
Possible Solutions
Spurs have several potential routes to address their goalkeeper crisis:
- Signing a Free Agent: Options like 37-year-old Costa Rican international Keylor Navas are available, but the market is limited.
- Short-Term Contracts: Players whose contracts expire in December, including former Spurs captain Hugo Lloris, could serve as temporary solutions.
- January Market Moves: Spurs might explore the January transfer market for homegrown talent or other available options.
Immediate Fixtures
For the time being, Fraser Forster is expected to start in the Europa League clash against AS Roma and the Premier League match versus Fulham. While not an ideal scenario, Spurs must navigate this challenging period with their current resources until reinforcements arrive.
Conclusion
Vicario’s absence is a major setback for Tottenham, both in terms of performance and long-term planning. Whether through free-agent signings, short-term contracts, or an accelerated transfer strategy, Spurs will need to act decisively to address this critical gap in their squad.
