Tottenham are set to be in the market for a new goalkeeper amid speculation surrounding Guglielmo Vicario’s future.
Tottenham Hotspur have been all over the place defensively for several months now. The constant chopping and changing at the back, owing to injury problems and suspensions, has led to a lack of stability and continuity. Also, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has contributed to the team’s leaky defence.
Vicario simply hasn’t been good enough for Spurs, and his weaknesses from set-plays has been very exploited by the opposition on a regular basis. The Italian is neither an imposing figure nor does he command the box well, making him a soft target. Add to those obvious frailties, his distribution has also gone backwards.
No wonder the Hotspur Way chiefs are looking to move Vicario on at the end of the season. Tottenham have started putting in plans to find an adequate replacement for their current No.1, with Brighton and Hove Albion star Bart Verbruggen among their targets. In addition, they have an interest in a goalkeeper from one of their bitter London rivals.
Chelsea reject Tottenham enquiry for highly-rated young goalkeeper
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are one of several Premier League clubs that enquired about Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders ahead of a possible summer move. However, Chelsea quickly rebuffed any approach, making their stance clear that the young glovesman is not on the transfer market.
In the summer of 2024, Chelsea reached an agreement with Genk for Mike Penders. It was announced that the Belgium under-21 international would officially join the Pensioners in 2025. Upon arrival at Stamford Bridge last July, Penders was quickly loaned out to Chelsea’s sister concern in France, FC Strasbourg.
The 20-year-old is certainly impressing for Strasbourg in Ligue 1, having kept six clean sheets in 23 appearances. He has only conceded 31 goals in the league. The youngster’s performances in goal for Strasbourg have gone unnoticed, with Brighton, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle United also making their own approaches. However, Chelsea have informed the interested parties that Penders is not for sale as they are planning to give him the No.1 spot next season.
Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have flattered to deceive with their displays, and the report adds that Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior, who coached Penders at Strasbourg and praised his performance against FC Metz in August 2025, wants to install the young Belgian between the sticks for the 2026/27 season.
Tottenham desperately need a new No.1
As for Tottenham, their enquiry for Penders proves that the 20-year-old has done enough on loan at Strasbourg to catch the North London club’s attention. Spurs realistically do not have any chance of signing Penders unless he is part of Chelsea, and their reported approach was futile. Their enquiry for the Belgian reinforces the plans to offload Vicario and have a new No.1 next season.
Should the Lilywhites manage to preserve their top-flight status, our recruitment team must try their best to sign Dean Henderson from Crystal Palace.