The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has grown increasingly tense as the club begins to look toward the future of its goalkeeping department. It appears the hierarchy has finally run out of patience with Guglielmo Vicario, with reports emerging that the club has identified RC Lens shot-stopper Robin Risser as the man to take over the gloves.
While Vicario arrived with a reputation as a high-level shot-stopper, his tenure in North London has been marred by a series of high-profile mistakes and a perceived lack of command in his own penalty area.
The criticism of the Italian international has not just been limited to his technical errors. Beyond the occasional fumbles and struggles with crosses, there is a growing frustration regarding his attitude on the pitch. Former players and analysts, including Jamie Carragher, have pointed out a recurring habit where Vicario appears to be “always blaming” his defenders for situations he could have handled better.
This tendency to deflect responsibility has reportedly created friction within the squad, particularly during a season where defensive unity is desperately needed to avoid a disastrous slide down the table.
At just 21 years old, Robin Risser represents a shift in strategy for Spurs. The French goalkeeper has enjoyed an impressive campaign in Ligue 1, demonstrating the kind of physical presence and mental composure that Vicario has lacked. Risser is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in European football, possessing the height and reach necessary to handle the unique physical demands of the Premier League.
For Tottenham, moving for a younger, more moldable player offers the chance to build a long-term foundation at the back something they haven’t truly had since the peak years of Hugo Lloris.
The financial logic behind the move is also becoming clear. Despite his struggles in England, Vicario still maintains a high market value in his home country. Historic Italian giants like Juventus are reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation, viewing him as a prime candidate for a return to Serie A.
For Vicario, moving back to a league where the style of play is less centered on aggressive physical challenges and set-piece chaos could be exactly what he needs to regain his lost confidence.
A return to his “comfort zone” would allow Tottenham to recoup a significant portion of their investment, which could then be immediately reinvested into securing Risser’s signature.
Should the deal go through, Risser would be stepping into one of the most pressured environments in world sports. Joining a club like Tottenham in the midst of a rebuilding phase under Igor Tudor is no small task.
However, the opportunity to play in the most-watched league in the world is a massive draw for any young Frenchman. Risser would likely be viewed as a “project” player initially, but his ceiling is considered high enough that he could quickly establish himself as a top-class goalkeeper capable of helping Spurs fight for silverware in the coming seasons.
The reality for Tottenham is that they can no longer afford to have a liability between the posts. As they fight to stabilize their position in the Premier League, every error is magnified, and every point lost due to a goalkeeping lapse feels like a step toward catastrophe.
By identifying a replacement now, the club is signaling that they are ready to move on from the mistakes of the past and invest in a new, more reliable era of goalkeeping. Whether Risser is the final piece of the puzzle remains to be seen, but the intent to fix the “big problem” at the back is a welcome sign for a fan base that has seen enough finger-pointing for one season.
