Brighton to accept ‘silly amount of money’ for Bart Verbruggen as Tottenham transfer news leaks
Tottenham have been linked with a move for Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as Guglielmo Vicario’s future comes under increasing doubt.
Football Insider revealed last week that Tottenham may line up a replacement for Vicario, who has faced the wrath of the fans this season.
The Italy international’s ability to distribute, or lack thereof, has come under the microscope following several big mistakes.
Vicario played a poor pass in the build-up to Nottingham Forest’s first goal in a 3-0 loss earlier this month, and was beaten by what looked like a cross later in the game.
And in November, Vicario managed to present Harry Wilson with an open goal in a 2-1 defeat to Fulham.
Tottenham must ‘go over the top’ to sign Bart Verbruggen
Vicario has endured a very up-and-down season. The 29-year-old stunned fans with his performance against Chelsea in November when, despite his team’s loss, he made eight saves and prevented a collapse.
It was a similar story against Monaco in the Champions League, with the goalkeeper stepping up time and time again and ultimately earning Tottenham a point.
But his ability on the ball has often been his downfall. His mistake against Fulham saw him charge out of his box, controlling the ball and attempting to clear, before only finding an opponent.
Verbruggen would certainly offer a better option in that regard, and while the Netherlands‘ international is not at the same level in terms of shot-stopping, he has plenty of room to grow at just 23.
But Tottenham would need to pay a “silly” amount of money to sign him, Bryan King exclusively told Football Insider.
“What they need is for Vicario to perform like he did when he first got in the team,” the former Tottenham scout said. “They brought in Kinsky who they thought was going to be the business.
“Now they’re turning to a so-called established goalkeeper in the Premier League. The only reason Brighton would let Verbruggen go is if Tottenham offered a silly amount of money because I wouldn’t let my keeper go in the January window. Brighton are only going to let him go if Tottenham go over the top for him.“
Thomas Frank was keen to defend Guglielmo Vicario
Tottenham fans loudly booed Vicario after his mistake against Fulham in November.
Speaking after the game, Thomas Frank slammed the fans for their actions in a passionate defence of his goalkeeper.
“I didn’t like that our fans booed at him straight after and a few times he touched the ball,” he told Sky Sports.
“They can’t be true Tottenham fans because everyone supports each other when you are on the pitch. And we do everything we can to perform.
“After, fair enough, boo, no problem. But not during. That’s unacceptable in my opinion.”
Just a month on, however, and Frank could be set to sanction a switch in between the sticks for his side.