Daniel Levy makes huge renewal offer – Player loves Tottenham but inclined to reject

Diego Simeone has made no secret of his admiration for Cristian Romero, with the Atlético Madrid manager now openly expressing his desire to bring the Tottenham Hotspur centre-back to Spain this summer.

The pursuit of the Argentine defender has quickly evolved into one of the most intriguing storylines of the transfer window, with negotiations unfolding amid a cloud of conflicting reports from Spanish, English, and Argentine media outlets.

While the outcome remains uncertain, what’s clear is that both clubs hold firm positions, and the player himself may have already made his intentions known.

Initial reports suggest that Atlético Madrid are serious about securing Romero’s services, with Mundo Deportivo revealing the Spanish side are aiming to complete a deal worth between €45 million and €55 million.

However, that figure appears to be significantly short of Tottenham’s valuation. Later on the same day, journalist Rubén Uría claimed that Spurs have set their asking price closer to €82 million, a figure that would make any transfer a substantial investment for the La Liga giants. The valuation gap is considerable, yet Atlético remain undeterred.

The situation took another twist when Argentine journalist Fernando Czyz reported on social media that Daniel Levy is not only aware of Atlético’s approach but has also acted decisively to try to keep Romero at the club.

The Tottenham chairman, known for his hardline negotiating style, is reportedly working on a lucrative contract extension for the 27-year-old, one that would make him the highest-paid player in the squad.

It’s a bold move aimed at demonstrating the club’s long-term faith in the World Cup-winning centre-back and keeping him at the heart of Ange Postecoglou’s project.

Romero’s response to Levy’s offer, however, has added a new layer of complexity to the situation. According to Czyz, the defender has expressed his appreciation for Tottenham but emphasized that his motivation lies beyond financial rewards.

He’s said to have told the club that his decision isn’t about money but rather about the professional challenges ahead. His words reportedly included a heartfelt message: “I love Tottenham and they will always be in my heart,” suggesting a genuine connection to the club while hinting at a desire for a fresh chapter in his career.

This admission leaves Tottenham in a difficult position. If Romero is not inclined to extend his stay in North London, Levy faces a pivotal decision. Holding on to a player who has turned down a significant renewal offer poses a risk, particularly if the dressing room dynamic is affected.

On the other hand, selling a key figure of Romero’s calibre—especially with three years left on his current deal—would only make sense if the club receives a substantial fee that allows for reinvestment.

El Desmarque has supported Czyz’s reporting and added that Atlético’s current offer consists of €55 million plus an additional €10 million in bonuses.

They note that Los Rojiblancos could sweeten the pot with another €5 million in performance-based incentives, bringing the total potential package closer to Tottenham’s valuation, though still short of the €82 million asking price.

Despite this, the Spanish club continues to push hard, and their persistence indicates a belief that a compromise could yet be found.

For now, the final decision rests with Levy, who once again finds himself at the center of a high-stakes transfer saga. Romero’s importance to Tottenham cannot be overstated his presence on the pitch provides steel and composure to the backline, and his leadership qualities have only grown since lifting the World Cup with Argentina.

However, if the player’s heart is set on pursuing new challenges, even the most generous contract may not be enough to keep him.

Tottenham must weigh the value of retaining an unsettled player against the potential windfall a sale could bring.

For Atlético, the hope is that continued pressure, coupled with the defender’s openness to a move, will eventually bring Spurs to the negotiating table. But unless Levy budges from his stance or Romero publicly pushes for a move, this transfer battle may still have several chapters left to write.