A seismic shift is brewing at Tottenham Hotspur, with news emerging that Cristian Romero, the team’s fiercely competitive defensive anchor, is almost certain to depart this summer. The revelation comes from Gaston Edul, a highly respected Argentinian journalist with deep connections within South American football circles, signaling a potentially devastating loss for the North London club.
Edul’s report indicates concrete interest from major clubs in La Liga, Spain’s top flight, and at least one other prominent European league. This isn’t a new development; similar approaches were made during the previous transfer window, coming incredibly close to triggering a formal offer for the World Cup winner.
The impending exit is underscored by a growing rift between Romero and the Tottenham hierarchy. His frustration recently boiled over following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Manchester City, a match played with a severely depleted squad due to a mounting injury crisis.
Romero didn’t mince words, publicly criticizing the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market. He described the shortage of available players as “unbelievable but true and disgraceful,” a stinging rebuke aimed squarely at those responsible for squad building.
This outburst wasn’t an isolated incident. Romero has repeatedly expressed his discontent with the club’s perceived lack of ambition and accountability, hinting at a deeper dissatisfaction with the direction the team is heading under its current leadership.
Adding fuel to the fire, Real Madrid has long been linked with a move for Romero. Reports suggest the Spanish giants are prepared to make a substantial offer, recognizing the immense value of a player who proved his mettle on the world’s biggest stage.
The situation is further complicated by speculation surrounding the future of Romero’s central defensive partner, Micky van de Ven. Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, is reportedly considering a bid for the Dutch defender, potentially leaving Tottenham with a completely revamped backline.
Losing both Romero and van de Ven in a single transfer window would be a catastrophic blow, jeopardizing Tottenham’s prospects as they navigate what is already shaping up to be a challenging 2026 campaign. The club faces a critical summer, one that will define its ambitions and potentially reshape its identity.