Empoli’s president has admitted that Tottenham Hotspur fought off three Serie A clubs to sign Guglielmo Vicario with the goalkeeper sealing his £17 million move to the Premier League giants.
At a reported 20 million euros, the former Udinese stopper becomes Empoli’s record departure, overtaking AC Milan enforcer Ismael Bennacer in the process (Sky Sports).
A moment of real ‘pride’, then, for club president Fabrizio Corsi.
Confirmation of Guglielmo Vicario’s big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur, Corsi argues, will do Empoli’s reputation the world of good as they look to establish themselves as a stable stepping stone for young, hungry players looking to reach the top of the European game.
Tottenham sign Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario
“Apart from the great satisfaction of being able to sell to one of the most prestigious and important clubs in English football, which is a reference at every level, we are talking about a footballer and a phenomenal person,” Corsi tells Tuttomercatoweb.
“We said goodbye today. And I reiterated that I congratulate his parents for the great job.
“The deal gives Empoli a great boost and an international image. It was unthinkable 20 years ago, or even ten, to make transfers of this type. Now, all our young players have proof (that they can go onto great things here).
“Because we, in addition to making them grow, launch them.”
Vicario’s father tells Il Messaggero that Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest had approaches rebuffed by Empoli in January. Clubs in Italy also came calling, though Corsi is unwilling to confirm whether Spurs had fought off a Roma side coached by their former boss Jose Mourinho.
“There were two Italian teams, maybe three,” Corsi adds.
“(Replacing Vicario) will be a difficult job. It won’t be easy. I don’t want to say that the task is impossible but maybe we can improve in other departments…”
Vicario, a confident ball-player who suits Ange Postecoglou’s gameplan far better than the 36-year-old Hugo Lloris, joins fellow Serie A import Destiny Udogie in North London.
Tottenham are also now closing in on a £40 million deal for Leicester City’s James Maddison.
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