Tottenham are poised to lose one of their senior players this summer, with a verbal agreement already in place for him to leave, according to a new report.
Spurs captain Cristian Romero's future in north London already hangs by a thread as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid reportedly circle the frustrated defender who appears keen to engineer a summer escape.
The 27-year-old looks increasingly disillusioned with Spurs' lack of ambition and recruitment strategy, publicly criticising the club's failure to bring adequate reinforcements during January's transfer window.
Romero signed a contract extension until 2029 last summer, yet that long-term commitment now feels increasingly fragile given his evident frustration.
Barcelona view him as a serious defensive target capable of providing leadership and intensity to their rebuilding project, whilst Diego Simeone at Atlético has emerged as perhaps his biggest admirer (Estadio Deportivo).
Real Madrid also harbour strong interest as they plan for life after Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, who are both out of contract this summer.
Los Blancos reportedly see Romero's battle-hardened experience and peak physical condition as perfect to anchor their next-generation defensive line.
Romero, right after his public comments slamming the club's transfer policy, got himself a four-match ban after his sending off against Man United last weekend, causing him to miss their game against Newcastle on Tuesday night.
Argentine journalist Gaston Edul confirmed Romero has attracted interest from multiple leagues and appears certain to leave this summer regardless of Thomas Frank's wishes.
The defender is apparently prioritising Champions League football and realistic title challenges, ambitions that look increasingly out of reach at Tottenham.
Now, alongside Romero, it appears another South American star could have one foot out the N17 exit door.
Richarlison makes transfer wish clear after verbal agreement with Tottenham
Indeed, ESPN Brazil reports Richarlison remains another major summer departure candidate as Flamengo plot a sensational Brazilian homecoming.
The 27-year-old striker already has a verbal agreement with Tottenham's hierarchy to leave this summer, with the club establishing a £22 million asking price.
That valuation appeals enormously to Flamengo, who've earmarked £26 million specifically for elite attacking reinforcements following their failed Kaio Jorge pursuit.
Richarlison's preference is to continue abroad though, specifically Turkey or Saudi Arabia, but Flamengo represents a viable fallback option.
Coach Filipe Luís openly admires the forward's playing style and would welcome him enthusiastically to Rio de Janeiro.
However, Richarlison is currently recovering from a thigh injury, and he'll need three more weeks of rehab, delaying any concrete transfer discussions until March at earliest.
The Saudi Pro League's current financial restructuring makes Turkish football the most probable destination should he reject Flamengo's advances, but it looks as if Richarlison could follow Romero out of London.