Cristian Romero’s exit from Tottenham seems inevitable this summer transfer window.
The Argentine defender has been linked with a Spurs exit for months despite his poor performances.
This has not changed since Thomas Frank’s arrival at the London club, with multiple sides interested in the centre-back.
Atletico Madrid have been linked with Romero as the transfer saga continues into July.
Louis Saha ‘baffled’ by Romero’s asking price
It has been reported that Tottenham want £60 million for Romero if they are to depart with the centre-back this summer.
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This is based on the importance the centre-back has at Spurs, as well as the fact that £42.5m was spent on the Argentine to bring him to the London club in 2022.
As a result, this fee could then be reinvested into the squad to get a quality replacement for the defender ahead of their upcoming Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
However, not everyone is impressed by this price tag. Former Tottenham striker Louis Saha was “baffled” by the demand, believing that these high asking prices are “dangerous” for football.
He told Coin Poker (2 July): “I am very baffled about the transfer market. You know those prices for some players, they’re hard to understand.
“I think agents can sometimes drive a player’s asking price up as much as clubs do, comparing other players who cost however much, even if they’re Saudi clubs who are paying extortionate fees. It’s a little crazy.
“This is just what football is like now, the market is getting disrupted by some of the fees clubs are willing to pay, and they’re spending as much if not more on wages.
“It’s so hard to keep costs down at a club with the pressure from agents to pay more and more. I think it’s dangerous for football.”
Tottenham have every right to demand £60m for Romero
While Romero may have proved last season that he is past his best, he is still one of, if not Tottenham’s best centre-back.
As a result, Spurs must demand a fee that is reflective of this valuation, or they may struggle to find a replacement in the market.
On top of this, £60m for a defender that has just won the Europa League is probably around right, especially as Tottenham are back in the Champions League and are under no pressure to sell.
Nevertheless, hopefully, Romero is moved on this summer, and Frank is able to use the funds to buy a more consistent centre-back with a better attitude.