Yahoo Sports Tottenham: Champions League winner and ex-Liverpool goalkeeper among Spurs options to cover Guglielmo Vicario
Tottenham have been rocked by the news that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been ruled out for the foreseeable future.
Spurs confirmed on Monday night that the Italian had undergone surgery on an ankle injury sustained during Saturday’s 4-0 win at Manchester City.
Vicario, who starred in the victory against Pep Guardiola’s side, revealed he played for an hour against City with a broken bone in his ankle.
While Ange Postecoglou does have Fraser Forster, Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman as back-ups, Vicario’s absence is a huge blow.
The 28-year-old Italian’s ability on the ball is crucial to way Spurs build-up from the back and his ability to come off his line helps cover for their high defensive line.
Spurs already planned to bring in younger competition for Vicario but could now bring forward their plans to the January transfer window.
One option would be to turn to the free agent market, although they will not be able to register any new goalkeeper until January.
With that in mind, here’s a look at three free agent goalkeepers available…
Loris Karius
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius is a free agent after leaving Newcastle in the summer.
The German was working to rebuild his career after his nightmare in the 2018 Champions League final, when he let in two avoidable goals as Liverpool lost to Real Madrid in Kyiv.
Jurgen Klopp has always been keen to stress Karius was concussed in that match and Eddie Howe spoke positively about him during their time together on Tyneside.
Having come through the Manchester City academy, the 31-year-old has previously been hailed for his calmness on the ball, though it is of course worth noting his career has stalled at the top level in recent years.
Edgar Badia
Former Spanish youth international Edgar Badia is without a club after leaving second division side Elche at the end of last season.
Now 32, Badia came through the ranks at Espanyol and was compared to Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas earlier in his career.
He started as Spain won the European Under-19 Championship in 2011.
While perhaps a left field suggestion, supporters may remember Badia from his encounter with Lionel Messi back in 2021.
After asking for the Argentine’s shirt following a 3-0 defeat at Barcelona, the goalkeeper looked shocked when Messi requested his in return.
Keylor Navas
Keylor Navas is surely the highest profile goalkeeper on the free agent market.
The trophy-laden Costa Rican has enjoyed a remarkable career with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain and started as Los Blancos won three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.
The 37-year-old is clearly coming towards the end of his career but could provide some experienced short-term cover.
Navas spent time on loan at Nottingham Forest during the 2022-23 season, so has Premier League experience.
