On Friday, it was widely-reported that Igor Tudor will take charge for the rest of the season on an interim basis. Well, we hope that the former Olympique de Marseille, Lazio and Juventus boss realises he is inheriting a team in a relegation battle. The Lilywhites are currently 16th, just five points above the drop zone, with the small matter of a North London derby against the leaders up next.
When Tudor's tenure ends in the summer, most Spurs supporters are dreaming that Mauricio Pochettino will return to North London. Currently in charge of the United States, so, depending on how far the World Cup co-hosts go, he may have a very tight turnaround between the end of that tournament and next season commencing in mid-August. Whoever is in charge long-term will want to reshape this squad, but is one key player, above all other, currently tanking their market value.
The Spurs star who may prove untradeable
Few Tottenham players in modern times have proved to be as divisive as Cristian Romero. On his day, the World Cup winner is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, but times and time and time again he proves to be a liability. Following the recent unexpected 2-2 draw with Manchester City, Romero criticised the club's hierarchy for leaving them with only 11 available player.
Well, less than a week later, around half an hour in Spurs' trip to Old Trafford, the Argentine was sent off for a completely unnecessary, overly aggressive tackle on Casemiro. Man United went on to make their man advantage count, prevailing 2-0, with Romero serving a four-match suspension, thereby unable to return until 15 March at Anfield.
List of Cristian Romero's red cards for Tottenham
November 2021. Tottenham 3-2 Vitesse Arnhem. 59th minute. Second yellow card.
February 2023. Tottenham 1-0 Manchester City. 87th minute. Second yellow card.
March 2023. Tottenham 0-0 AC Milan. 77th minute. Second yellow card.
November 2023. Tottenham 1-4 Chelsea. 33rd minute. Straight red card.
December 2025. Tottenham 1-2 Liverpool. 93rd minute. Second yellow card.
February 2026. Manchester United 2-0 Tottenham. 29th minute. Straight red card.
Each of Romero's last three red cards have come in high-profile Premier League defeats, while the one before saw them crash out of the Champions League, failing to beat AC Milan at home following a first leg defeat at San Siro.
Then-manager Frank was surprised to learn that Romero has collected the most red cards of any player in the Premier League since he joined Spurs from Atalanta in the summer of 2021.
Players with 3+ Premier League red cards (2021/22-present)
So, what now for Romero? Well, he is always under extra intense scrutiny as club captain, but this epitomises the lack of leadership at the club, following the departures of Harry Kane, Hugo Lloris, Son Heung-min, Eric Dier and other high-profile players in recent times.
Also, as soon as Romero is available again, he will be straight back into the team, as there is simply not enough accountability for his actions. Thus, sacrificing him would surely be an easy early statement for any new manager to make. Well, this won't be easy. He cost £42.5 million to recruit and is under contract until 2029, having signed an extension as recently as August, thereby making him the club's highest earner, according to Capology.
Atlético Madrid have been perennially purportedly interested in the defender, that feels like a match made in heaven, but another red card could put off any potential suitors.