Tottenham identify two emergency goalkeeper signings as Daniel Levy forced into action

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly eyeing potential replacements for injured goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, with Burnley’s James Trafford and Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson emerging as possible January transfer targets.

The north London club faces a critical decision after Vicario suffered a broken ankle during their emphatic 4-0 victory over Manchester City. With the first-choice shot-stopper sidelined for several months following surgery, Spurs may look to strengthen their goalkeeping options to ensure stability in a crucial part of the season.

Vicario, who has been a standout performer for Tottenham since joining the club, sustained the injury during the first half at the Etihad but managed to play the full 90 minutes.

On Monday, the 28-year-old shared an update on his recovery via Instagram, revealing the extent of his commitment to the team. “I played 60 minutes at the Etihad with a broken bone in my ankle, giving absolutely everything I had for the team.

Unfortunately, there was no way around this one. I needed surgery. I’m disappointed I won’t be able to help the team for a while,” he wrote. Vicario also expressed gratitude to the medical team and Spurs fans for their support, vowing to return stronger and ready to give his all once again.

Tottenham later released an official statement confirming the successful completion of Vicario’s operation and outlining the next steps in his rehabilitation process.

The club emphasized that medical staff would monitor his progress closely to determine when he could resume training. In the interim, veteran goalkeeper Fraser Forster is expected to step into the starting role, but questions remain about whether Spurs will rely solely on him for the duration of Vicario’s absence.

According to reports from talkSPORT, Tottenham is seriously considering entering the transfer market to secure a reliable short-term or long-term solution in goal.

Among the names linked with a potential move are James Trafford and Anthony Patterson, two promising goalkeepers with experience and significant upside. Trafford, currently Burnley’s first-choice keeper, is said to be eager to return to the Premier League after his team’s relegation last season.

The 22-year-old gained widespread recognition for his performances with England’s Under-21 squad, particularly during their European Championship victory in 2023. This season, Trafford has been a key figure for Burnley in the Championship, boasting nine clean sheets in 15 appearances, which underscores his reliability and potential at a higher level.

Meanwhile, Patterson has established himself as a cornerstone for Sunderland over the past two-and-a-half seasons. The 24-year-old first gained prominence during Sunderland’s League One campaign, where he displaced Ron-Thorben Hoffmann to claim the starting role.

Since then, Patterson has amassed 135 appearances for the Black Cats and garnered interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool earlier this year due to his stellar performances in the Championship.

His ability to deliver under pressure and consistent displays make him an attractive option for top-tier clubs looking to bolster their goalkeeping ranks.

While Tottenham has yet to confirm any formal approach for either goalkeeper, the club’s interest in securing additional cover reflects the broader challenges they face. The injury to Vicario not only deprives the team of a vital presence between the posts but also heightens the importance of maintaining momentum during a pivotal stretch of the season.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, the prospect of adding a young and talented goalkeeper like Trafford or Patterson could be a strategic move to safeguard Spurs’ ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.

Levy’s potential decision to invest in a new goalkeeper also aligns with Tottenham’s broader philosophy of building a squad capable of competing at the highest levels over the long term.

Both Trafford and Patterson represent options that combine immediate quality with the potential for future development, making them ideal candidates for a club focused on sustainable success.

The coming weeks will likely determine how Tottenham navigates this challenging period. For now, the focus will remain on integrating Forster into the starting lineup and ensuring the team continues to perform at a high level.

However, the potential arrival of a new goalkeeper in January could provide the added security and depth needed to maintain their trajectory in what promises to be a demanding season.

As speculation around Trafford and Patterson continues, Tottenham fans will watch closely to see how the club addresses this critical area and prepares for the challenges ahead.