Devis Vasquez has stolen the headlines after his fantastic performance for Empoli during their 0-0 draw with Juventus on Saturday, and some background has emerged on the deal with AC Milan.
It has been a strange couple of years for Vasquez. In January 2023 he was bought by Milan who barely used him even at youth level, and that August the decision was made to send him on loan to Sheffield Wednesday in the English Championship.
After ten games with the Yorkshire club, Vasquez returned to Italy where he played as many games in Serie B with Ascoli, totalling five clean sheets. It was always expected that he would leave again, with a loan move to Empoli confirmed back on 18 July.
According to what is being reported by Matteo Moretto of Relevo, the option to buy inserted in the operation states that Empoli can buy the goalkeeper from Milan for just €900k. Not only that, but there is no buy-back in favour of the Rossoneri in case he performs well.
Vasquez showcased all his potential at the Stadio Carlo Castellani on Saturday night as he started in goal for Empoli and produced a number of saves to deny Juventus, keeping a clean sheet and being awarded Man of the Match by Lega Serie A.
🏆📹 Devis Vasquez, il Panini Player Of The Match di #EmpoliJuve! pic.twitter.com/6C22oVJOM0
— Empoli Football Club Official (@EmpoliFC) September 15, 2024
Doesn’t matter. We about a million GKs on our books!
If he’s making Juve drop points, then he’s earnt is transfer from South America in my opinion.
We do have a lot of young goal keepers though.
Hopefully his form continues and we can cash in.
If he can make Inter and Napoli also drop points we’re golden.
A buy back clause wasn’t expected to be inserted though. I’ve always thought that a goalkeeper is more likely to have a big jump in quality/performances. Probably still some way to go before being considered a fixed Serie A level goalie but these performances are a good signs .