Why Vicario’s Potential Tottenham Exit Makes Sense

Reports linking Guglielmo Vicario with a potential summer move to Inter in the summer have drawn mixed reactions from Tottenham supporters. While an impressive start to his Spurs career remains in the memory, his recent form has increasingly raised questions over his long-term suitability.

#Inter would be ready to sign Guglielmo Vicario if André Onana is sold. 🇮🇹

[@SkySport via @DiMarzio 🌕] pic.twitter.com/WGQuOXduFn

— Inter Xtra (@Inter_Xtra) June 20, 2023

Signed for just £17 million from Empoli, Vicario initially appeared to be a shrewd piece of business. Spectacular saves in his early months coincided with Tottenham’s storming start to the 2023/24 season under Ange Postecoglou, quickly elevating his reputation among Premier League goalkeepers.

That momentum, however, did not last. Tottenham’s form changed drastically, falling from league leaders to fifth place by December. An FA Cup defeat to Manchester City proved a turning point for Vicario, with aggressive crowding at set pieces unsettling the goalkeeper and leading to the game-winning goal. Opponents took note, and similar tactics soon followed.

Set plays became a persistent issue under Postecoglou. As the Premier League has leaned further into marginal gains through corners and long throws, Vicario’s struggles under physical pressure became harder to overlook. Confidence appeared to drain, mistakes crept in, and a once-assured presence began to look uncertain.

The managerial change that followed brought improvement. Thomas Frank arrived alongside specialist set piece coach Andreas Georgson, tightening structure and reducing vulnerability. While Vicario has benefitted from that work, inconsistencies remain. Errors have become more costly, and frustration among supporters has grown, most notably during a difficult outing against Fulham in November.

If confidence is the core issue, a reset may benefit all parties. A return to Serie A, where Vicario built his reputation, could allow him to rediscover form in a more familiar environment. For Inter, the appeal is clear, a goalkeeper capable of elite shot-stopping when protected properly.

With Tottenham in poor form this season, reliability at the back is increasingly essential. Vicario’s departure creates an opportunity to recruit a goalkeeper better-suited to the Premier League’s physical demands. Given Spurs’ need for defensive assurance and the potential benefits for both player and buying club, the move resembles a sensible solution.