Sources: £65m star will push to leave Tottenham even if they win Europa League
The winds of change are blowing through Hotspur Way as Cristian Romero appears determined to force through a transfer to Atletico Madrid this summer, regardless of whether Tottenham end their trophy drought in the Europa League final.
Sources close to the situation reveal the Argentine defender views a switch to Diego Simeone’s side as the natural next step in his career, presenting Ange Postecoglou with a significant defensive reshuffle ahead of his second season in charge.
Romero’s potential departure would leave a gaping hole in Tottenham’s backline. The 27-year-old World Cup winner has established himself as both a defensive lynchpin and dressing room leader since arriving from Atalanta in 2021.
His combative style and technical quality have made him indispensable, with teammate Micky van de Ven recently describing him as “world-class” – praise that underscores the magnitude of losing such a influential figure.
Financial considerations complicate Tottenham’s position. The club must already commit £20.9 million to make Kevin Danso’s loan from Lens permanent, while Romero’s £65 million valuation reflects both his importance and the inflated market for top-tier center-backs.
Atletico Madrid’s initial £40 million offer falls significantly short of Tottenham’s asking price, setting the stage for protracted negotiations once the Europa League concludes. The Spanish side’s willingness to wait until after the May 21 final suggests they recognize Romero’s value to Tottenham’s European ambitions while quietly confident of securing their man.
Contractual Chess Game
Romero’s current deal, paying £165,000 per week until 2026, gives Tottenham some leverage but also creates urgency. With two years remaining, this summer represents the last realistic window to command maximum value before his contract enters its final twelve months.
Daniel Levy’s reputation as a tough negotiator will face its sternest test yet as he balances financial pragmatism against sporting ambition.
The Argentine’s public flirtation with La Liga has only strengthened Atletico’s hand. By openly expressing his desire for a new challenge in Spain, Romero has effectively forced Tottenham’s board into a difficult decision – cash in now or risk diminishing returns later.
His commitment to focusing on the Europa League final provides temporary respite, but the underlying tension remains palpable.
Defensive Rebuild Looms
Romero’s potential exit compounds an already transformative summer in Tottenham’s defensive ranks.
Ben Davies and Sergio Reguilon (combined £133,000/week) appear destined to depart as free agents, while the permanent arrival of Danso signals a stylistic shift toward more mobile defenders suited to Postecoglou’s high-line system.
The proposed transfer carries intriguing tactical implications for both clubs:
| Aspect | Tottenham Impact | Atletico Madrid Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | Lose vocal organizer | Gain proven winner |
| Style Fit | Must replace aggressive ball-player | Perfect Simeone defender |
| Financial | Significant reinvestment required | Potential bargain at negotiated price |
| Age Profile | Losing prime-years defender | Acquiring center-back entering peak |
Legacy Considerations
Should Romero depart after the Europa League final, his Tottenham legacy will hinge on the result in Bilbao.
Lifting the trophy would cement his status as a cult hero who helped end the club’s silverware drought, while defeat may see him remembered as another talented player who couldn’t quite deliver when it mattered most.
For Postecoglou, the challenge extends beyond replacing Romero’s on-field contributions. The Australian must either convince the board to reinvest the full transfer fee in a like-for-like replacement or adapt his system to accommodate different defensive qualities.
Neither option comes without risk as Tottenham attempt to bridge the gap to the Premier League’s elite.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all signs point toward a seismic shift in Tottenham’s defensive hierarchy. Romero’s apparent determination to join Atletico Madrid reflects both personal ambition and the harsh realities of modern football – even key players eventually seek new challenges.
How Tottenham navigate this transition could define their trajectory for years to come, making this one of the most consequential potential departures in recent memory.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Levy can extract maximum value from the deal, whether Postecoglou can reshape his defense effectively, and whether Romero can indeed trade North London for Madrid.
One thing appears certain – change is coming to Tottenham’s backline, ready or not.