Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to move on from captain Cristian Romero this summer, with intermediaries already working behind the scenes to help line up a possible exit for the Argentina defender. Romero, sidelined since April with a season-ending knee injury, still hopes to recover in time to be included in Argentina’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.
The 27-year-old’s future took another twist this weekend when he travelled back to Argentina rather than attend Tottenham’s crucial home clash against Everton. He had been set to watch his boyhood club Belgrano face River Plate, but later performed a U-turn and returned to London for Spurs’ end-of-season fixture. Tottenham have not publicly criticised him for the decision, and the club’s head coach avoided condemning him directly when asked about the issue.
Romero’s situation is now moving beyond a one-off absence. Spurs are increasingly open to parting ways with him if their valuation is met in the upcoming transfer window, despite the fact he signed a new long-term contract only last summer. That means Tottenham are under no immediate financial pressure to sell, and any departure would be driven more by club judgment and internal relations than by necessity. The trip to Argentina, and the noise that followed among supporters, has only sharpened that feeling.
Atletico Madrid remain one of the clubs watching closely. Diego Simeone’s side have long admired Romero’s aggressive defensive style, leadership qualities and experience at the highest level, and they would be very interested in taking him to La Liga this summer if financial conditions allow. For Romero, that would also suit his own preference. A move to Spain is currently his preferred outcome should he leave Tottenham, making Atletico one of the few realistic destinations that appears to line up with both club interest and the player’s thinking.
What happens next will depend on two things: whether Romero regains enough fitness to play a role for Argentina, and whether Tottenham receive an offer that matches their valuation. If those pieces fall into place, this could quickly become one of the more significant departures of Spurs’ summer. If they do not, the club will have to manage a captain whose future is already being discussed as if it has moved well beyond London.
