King claims Tottenham have now compiled January transfer shortlist after recent injury setback
Bryan King believes Tottenham Hotspur will have a shortlist of potential goalkeepers ready for the January transfer window. The former Spurs scout predicts the club began assembling options immediately after Guglielmo Vicario underwent surgery on his fractured right ankle on November 25.
The injury is expected to keep the first-choice goalkeeper sidelined for over two months, creating a significant gap in the squad.
Despite manager Ange Postecoglou’s recent comments suggesting that Tottenham do not plan to sign a new goalkeeper in January, King doubts this stance will remain firm. Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he explained that the club likely prepared contingency plans as soon as the extent of Vicario’s injury became clear.
King pointed out that such preparation is a standard response in situations like this, as clubs must evaluate the risk of relying on existing options while navigating a demanding fixture list.
King emphasized that the immediate future places significant responsibility on Fraser Forster, who is currently Tottenham’s backup goalkeeper. Forster now has an opportunity to prove his reliability in a series of high-stakes matches across multiple competitions, including the Premier League, Carabao Cup, and European games.
King noted that these performances will likely determine whether Postecoglou chooses to stick with him or revisit the idea of bringing in reinforcements during the transfer window.
While Postecoglou’s public statements indicate confidence in the current squad, circumstances can evolve quickly in football. A string of unconvincing displays from Forster could force the manager to reconsider his options.
Forster, who has already had some shaky moments this season, faces immense pressure to deliver consistent performances during Vicario’s absence. Any significant lapses could compel the club to pursue a new signing to secure their defensive stability.
Tottenham’s approach to the January window will ultimately depend on Forster’s ability to rise to the challenge. If he performs well, the club may opt to maintain the status quo until Vicario returns to fitness.
However, if Forster struggles, it would not be surprising to see Spurs take decisive action. The availability of suitable goalkeepers during the winter window could also influence their decision-making process, as finding high-quality replacements mid-season can be challenging.
Regardless of the outcome, Tottenham’s handling of this situation underscores the importance of squad depth and adaptability in modern football. The next few months will test the club’s resilience and strategic planning as they balance short-term needs with long-term ambitions.