Tottenham could be getting closer to sealing the major sale of Cristian Romero as they look to balance their squad and spending over the coming weeks. Spurs have spent big this summer, amassing a record spend largely made up of the signings of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke.
Spurs want to go from back-to-back bottom-half finishes to qualifying for Europe, and it was always clear that significant spending would be required to turn things around. Roberto De Zerbi has been the beneficiary of that, but he also knows that he will have to sell some players to ensure there is sufficient space, and indeed to make sure Spurs don't have to do major cost-cutting in the next couple of years amid the presence of Profit and Sustainability rules. PSR is not a concern for Spurs currently, thanks to their financially stable approach over recent years, but such a high-spending window will mean they will be closer to the line in the next couple of summers.
Atletico Madrid stepping up Romero efforts
Romero is expected to leave Tottenham this summer, with the relationship having run its course. The centre-back always wore his heart on his sleeve for the club, and he will leave a good relationship with fans, but he often called out the club's approach and has long admitted his desire to play in Spain.
"He leads from his behaviour on the pitch, driving the team forward in every way, and outside the pitch he’s always pushing the team.” - Thomas Frank on Cristian Romero
A departure is almost certain, with Van Hecke effectively signed to replace Romero, and transfer guru Fabriizo Romano has issued an update on the situation. He said on his YouTube show: "Atletico are now preparing a new official bid to send to Tottenham to try to close the deal. The first bid was €30million plus €5million, rejected. Atletico are returning to the table with a new bid, then they hope to close the deal for Cuti.
"They sent a contract proposal to Cuti Romero, who gave the green light to the move. Now it's time for a financial agreement, length of the contract, salary and all the rest. But the deal is completely on track for Cuti Romero. As of today, Barcelona are not going for Cuti Romero. This is a club decision."
Romero's 2024/25 Premier League defending stats
Appearances: 23
Tackles: 2.5 per game
Interceptions: 1.3 per game
Clearances: 4.1 per game
Blocks: 0.6 per game
Spurs set to lose leading figure in Romero
Romero has been a fine leader for Spurs, and it's something former boss Thomas Frank acknowledged in 2025, when he said: “I think he has all the right qualities. He leads from his behaviour on the pitch, driving the team forward in every way, and outside the pitch he’s always pushing the team.”
That will be missed by Spurs, who will be hoping Mick van de Ven can offer that leadership, and that Van Hecke can be a commanding presence even early in his time at the club.