Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero has 'probably' played his last game for the club, depending on one factor, according to Fabrizio Romano speaking on GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness podcast.
Everyone associated with Tottenham would have been hoping for an instant impact from new manager Roberto De Zerbi when they faced Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, but it was the same old story as they were beaten 1-0 without offering much themselves going forward.
Spurs now lie two points adrift of West Ham United, and the safety line, with six matches left to stop themselves dropping into the Championship and a league fixture against Lincoln City next term.
While the Irons, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have hit form, with the latter beating Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday, Tottenham remain without a league win since they beat Crystal Palace on December 28.
It is a record that De Zerbi needs to end quickly, and he will hope he can do it when his former employers Brighton and Hove Albion visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Italian will have to do it without Romero though, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Romano: Time for Romero to Leave Tottenham This Summer
Doubts remained over the Argentina international's future even before the injury he picked up against Sunderland that has ruled him out for the rest of the season, and potentially puts his 2026 World Cup at risk too.
Reports from Argentina earlier this year suggested that a decision has been made that the 27-year-old will leave Tottenham at the end of the season.
While Romano doesn't go that far, there is a feeling from various parties involved that this could be the summer when they part ways, although Spurs are unlikely to let him go unless they achieve their valuation having become known as tough negotiators.
Speaking on the latest episode of GMS' Market Madness podcast on Wednesday afternoon, Romano explained the latest:
"What I can tell you is that there is a feeling around all people involved in this story, on player's side, and then on club side, it is probably going to be time for Cuti Romero to leave in the summer transfer window.
"We know it's always difficult to negotiate with Tottenham, especially when it's about top players. They are tough and so obviously, let's see who is prepared to pay what Tottenham want.
"From what I understand, there is no release clause, in paper, in the contract of Cuti Romero. It was just a gentleman's agreement, but with the previous chairman, Daniel Levy, but now there is no release clause to be activated."
Tottenham to Set Romero Valuation
While the feeling seems to be that Romero will be exiting Tottenham this summer, regardless of which division they find themselves in next term, Spurs' stance on his price will be key to what happens.
The north Londoners could be in a strong negotiating position too, given the Argentine has three years remaining on his contract.
Romano added: "The price is up to Tottenham. It's Tottenham deciding, so we have to see how the negotiations will be.
"There is interest from Europe, and also from abroad. For sure, there is a lot of interest in Romero, and the expectation of those around player and club is that something will happen in the summer. But again, it depends on the price."
It will be interesting to see if Tottenham's valuation of their skipper is affected should they drop into the Championship, which is a genuine possibility right now.