Juventus Goalkeeper Hunt: Vicario Emerges as Leading Option
Juventus are once again scanning the horizon for security between the posts. According to Gazzetta, a summer rethink is under way after a sequence of costly moments has shaken confidence in Michele Di Gregorio’s hold on the shirt. Errors against Lazio, Inter and Como have prompted introspection inside Continassa, and a club that built its identity on defensive certainty now finds itself questioning the foundations.
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Di Gregorio, signed in 2024 for €18 million, has delivered flashes of quality. One save in Venice proved pivotal in securing Champions League qualification. Yet the broader picture has left doubts. Juventus standards in this position are framed by names such as Zoff, Tacconi, Peruzzi, Buffon and Szczesny. In that lineage, consistency is currency.
Vicario Links Gather Pace
The leading candidate, as outlined by Gazzetta, is Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur. The former Empoli goalkeeper is approaching 30 and is understood to be open to a return to Serie A. Spurs’ recent seasons have been turbulent, even if they lifted the Europa League last term, and Juventus sense opportunity.
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Tottenham’s valuation is reported at 25-30 million, with Vicario earning around 4.5 million per year. His contract runs until 2028, a detail that shapes negotiations but does not close the door. There is, however, competition. Inter are monitoring him as a potential successor to Yann Sommer.
Juventus’ recruitment logic extends beyond ability. There is a desire to increase Italian representation in a dressing room currently anchored domestically by Cambiaso and Locatelli among the regular starters. Vicario fits that brief neatly.
Carnesecchi Alternative in Focus
Should the Vicario route stall, attention may turn to Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta. In recent weeks he has arguably been Serie A’s most reliable goalkeeper. At 26, he represents long term security. The price reflects that promise, with estimates between €30-40 million.
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Such an outlay hinges on Champions League qualification. Juventus’ summer will not revolve solely around a goalkeeper. Squad depth requires attention in multiple areas, and resource allocation must be precise.
Meanwhile, exploratory conversations around Mike Maignan have cooled. Hopes of a free transfer from AC Milan have diminished as contract renewal talks advance.
Wider Overhaul on Cards
The Gazzetta report also outlines a broader reshuffle. Mattia Perin has previously indicated a desire for regular football. Carlo Pinsoglio may consider retirement. Juventus have therefore compiled a secondary list including Ivan Provedel, Lorenzo Montipò, Wladimiro Falcone, Federico Ravaglia and Emil Audero, the latter a graduate of their youth system.
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Names such as Mandas, now at Bournemouth, remain under consideration. The objective is structural clarity. A starting goalkeeper, credible competition and sustainable squad registration.
The symbolism of this pursuit matters. Juventus have long sold the idea of control. In tight matches, control often begins with the goalkeeper. Recent scorelines have underlined fragility. A 2-1 lead can evaporate with a moment’s hesitation. For a club recalibrating its ambitions, certainty is prized.
If Vicario is indeed in pole position, the coming months will test Tottenham’s resolve and Juventus’ financial elasticity. The dossier is open. Decisions await.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
Vicario has been one of the few constants in fluctuating seasons. His shot stopping has rescued points and preserved belief when structure around him has wavered. The idea of Juventus circling will prompt concern, especially given Tottenham’s ongoing attempts to rebuild stability.
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Supporters would argue that replacing him would not be straightforward. Goalkeepers influence defensive confidence in ways that statistics only partly capture. Vicario’s command of his area, his reflexes in one on one situations and his temperament in high pressure fixtures have been significant.
There will also be questions about ambition. If Spurs are to compete consistently for Champions League places, retaining prime performers is essential. Europa League success offered encouragement, yet domestic inconsistency persists. Losing a first choice goalkeeper to Serie A could be framed as regression.
At the same time, some fans may recognise the pull of Italy for an Italian international approaching 30. Career decisions often blend sporting and personal motivations. Should Juventus meet valuation expectations, Tottenham would need clarity and swift succession planning. For now, Spurs supporters will hope the noise remains speculative rather than transformative.