Insider: Tottenham star’wants to join Real Madrid

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has emerged as a potential target for Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Mick Brown, a former scout for the Spanish giants.

Brown, who also held key roles at Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers, revealed that Romero would be eager to join Real Madrid if the opportunity arises. However, the La Liga leaders are reportedly exploring other options before making a move for the Argentine center-back, as they aim to strengthen their defensive unit following an injury-plagued season.

Romero, 26, has been on Real Madrid’s radar for some time, but Brown suggested that the Tottenham star is not currently at the top of their wishlist.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Brown explained, “I hear Real Madrid have been looking at Cristian Romero. To be honest, he never gives me the impression of stability—he’s always liable to make a bad decision or do something silly and cost you.

I don’t think that’s what Real Madrid need at the moment.” Brown emphasized that while Romero is on their list of targets, the club is prioritizing stability in defense to complement their attacking superstars.

Real Madrid’s interest in Romero comes amid their broader search for defensive reinforcements. The club has also been linked with Arsenal’s William Saliba, who is reportedly among their top targets.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side has faced significant challenges in defense this season due to injuries, prompting them to assess multiple options ahead of the summer window. Brown added, “They certainly want to sign a center-back, and he’s on their list, but there are other targets too. The injuries they’ve had this season have forced them to look at a number of options, and they’ve been working on finding the right players.”

Despite Romero’s potential availability, Tottenham are unlikely to let him go without a fight. Football Insider previously reported that Spurs would demand a “huge” offer to even consider parting ways with the Argentine international.

Romero has been a key figure in Ange Postecoglou’s squad, and his departure would leave a significant void in the heart of Tottenham’s defense. However, the lure of playing for one of the world’s most prestigious clubs could prove difficult for Romero to resist if Real Madrid formalizes their interest.

As speculation surrounding Romero’s future intensifies, Tottenham are already planning for potential defensive reinforcements. The club had a £70 million bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi rejected during the January transfer window but remains keen on the England international.

Guehi is seen as an ideal partner for Micky van de Ven, who has impressed since joining Tottenham last summer. Brown noted, “Tottenham want a top-class center-back to play alongside Micky van de Ven under Ange Postecoglou.”

Tottenham’s defensive struggles this season have highlighted the need for reinforcements. The team has managed just two clean sheets in their last ten games, underscoring the urgency to address their backline issues.

Postecoglou is determined to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level, and securing a reliable center-back will be a top priority in the upcoming transfer window.

For Real Madrid, the decision to pursue Romero or explore alternative options will depend on their assessment of his suitability for their system. While the Argentine’s aggressive style and leadership qualities are undeniable, concerns about his occasional lapses in judgment could influence their final decision.

Brown concluded, “I don’t doubt if Romero is given the chance to join Real Madrid, he’ll want to go. But they need stability there, which will allow them to get the best out of the superstars they’ve got in the final third of the pitch. I expect they’ll look elsewhere, but they’ll need to decide on a top target because when Real Madrid set their sights on someone, they usually get him.”

As the summer transfer window approaches, the futures of both Romero and Tottenham’s defensive plans remain uncertain. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Romero remains in North London or embarks on a new chapter at the Bernabeu.

For Tottenham, securing a top-class center-back will be essential as they aim to address their defensive vulnerabilities and build a squad capable of challenging for silverware under Postecoglou’s leadership.