Sport Witness

Tottenham Hotspur’s season is already slipping into a fight for survival, and the situation may now have taken another damaging turn with Cristian Romero’s injury.

Spurs sit in the relegation zone and are struggling for momentum. The defeat to Sunderland only added to that pressure. More importantly, it may have cost them their defensive leader at a critical stage of the campaign.

Romero has been central to Tottenham both on and off the pitch. He wears the armband and remains one of the few consistent performers in a difficult season. Losing him now would leave a major gap in a side already short on confidence and stability.

The immediate concern became clear during the match. The Argentine defender was pushed by Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey and collided heavily with his own goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky, after trying to shield the ball under pressure.

He attempted to continue but soon signalled to come off. What followed raised even more alarm – Romero left the pitch in visible pain and in tears.

Injury concern grows after emotional exit

At the time, reporting in Argentina suggested real uncertainty. There were fears of a ligament issue in the knee, with tests needed to determine the severity. As we covered earlier, his pain persists.

Now, a clearer timeline is starting to emerge from Argentina after his MRI scan this morning, as revealed earlier by Olé.

Journalist Martin Arevalo reports that Cristian Romero is expected to be out for between five and eight weeks with a knee injury. Another local journalist, Fernando Czyz, claims it is a grade 1 injury to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

While that is still subject to official confirmation from Tottenham, it gives a much stronger indication of the scale of the problem.

For Spurs, even the lower end of that estimate would be damaging. The run-in is already under pressure, and Romero’s absence would remove leadership, aggression and defensive organisation from the side.

What this means for Tottenham

Cristian Romero has been one of Tottenham’s most reliable defenders this season, even while being heavily linked with a summer exit. Without him, Tottenham are likely to turn to less experienced or less consistent options. That could further expose a defence that has already struggled throughout the campaign.

Of course there is also a wider context to consider. Romero’s reaction when leaving the pitch was not only about the injury itself. It came with Tottenham behind in the match and deep in a poor run of form. The emotional weight of the moment was clear.

From an Argentina perspective, the update has been framed more positively, with the expectation that one of their key players will recover in time for the World Cup. But for Tottenham, however, the focus is immediate.

They need results now. And they may have to chase them without their captain and defensive cornerstone for a significant stretch of the season.

What happens next

Tottenham are yet to provide a full medical update. That will be key in confirming the timeline and whether the five to eight week estimate holds.

In the meantime, the club must prepare for a period without Romero. Squad depth, defensive structure and leadership will all be tested.

At a stage of the season where every point matters, losing a player of his profile could shape Tottenham’s fate.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have Beşiktaş’ Oh Hyeon-gyu on their radar for the summer.

The Turkish club invested €14m to sign the striker from KRC Genk in the winter market. This move has worked out well, so much so that Manchester United and Tottenham have taken notice.

This season, Oh Hyeon-gyu managed 10 goals and five assists from 32 matches for the Belgian club.

Since moving to the Istanbul club, he scored seven goals and contributed two assists from 10 matches.

His Süper Lig stats are as follows:

Appearances: 9

Starts: 9

Tota minutes: 802

Minutes per game: 89

Goals: 6

Assists: 1

Expected Goals: 2.87

Expected Assists: 0.54

Shots on target per game: 1.3

Big chances created: 2

Big chances missed: 3

Manchester United and Tottenham in mix

Türkiye now report the Premier League duo as the South Korea international’s new suitors and cover the latest.

Beşiktaş’ initial plan for Oh Hyeon-gyu to be a backup player but plans changed after he scored and assisted on his debut against Alanyaspor.

He again managed a goal and an assist in the second match against Basaksehir and also scored in the third match against Göztepe.

In short, the 24-year-old ‘exploded’ for the Black Eagles, forcing them to change their plans for him. It has also not gone unnoticed, especially in England, where the Red Devils and Spurs are his suitors.

It’s claimed Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur ‘in particular’ are monitoring him closely.

For now, it hasn’t gone beyond watching the South Korean as the English clubs didn’t make contact with his agent or Beşiktaş yet.

The Istanbul club are expecting his value to rise further after the frontman’s participation in the next World Cup.

Our take: Son can help Spurs

He spent 18 months at Celtic before leaving them for KRC Genk in July 2024. Back then, the player revealed his compatriot and former Spurs star Son Heung-min advised him to leave Celtic Park.

For now, Roberto De Zerbi’s side are keeping an eye on Oh Hyeon-gyu. Should they decide to make concrete advances, Tottenham Hotspur could approach Son to help them convince the player.

Oh Hyeon-gyu’s contract expires in 2029, and Transfermarkt value him at €15m. Having invested €14m, Beşiktaş will demand way more to make profit, in the event of a sale.

Apertura Sports GmbH, owned by agent Martin Rath, manage the player. The German agency mainly represents South Korean players.

Roberto De Zerbi’s first match in charge as Tottenham Hotspur manager ended in a 1-0 Premier League defeat to Sunderland.

The loss at the Stadium of Light on Sunday meant Tottenham now drop to 18th spot, two points behind 17th placed West Ham United.

De Zerbi also saw Cristian Romero suffer a setback in his first match with Spurs.

In the second half, the Argentina international’s keen collided with his own goalkeeper, Antonín Kinský.

He left the pitch crying, raising alarm bells, especially with the national team ahead of the World Cup in June. After the match, the new manager said he’s hoping the defender’s injury isn’t serious.

Tottenham star in pain

Journalist Veronica Brunati took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to now report that ‘pain persists’ for Cristian Romero.

The centre-back is ‘experiencing discomfort and instability’ in his knee and will undergo tests to find out the extent of the damage.

TyC Sports also report the ‘pain persists’ and the medical examinations should give more clarity about his setback.

This is to establish whether he has a medial collateral ligament injury or just a blow to his knee.

Another major Argentine newspaper, Olé, also state the Tottenham Hotspur star will have an MRI scan on Monday.

This is to find out whether he has suffered a serious setback [MCL injury] and if so, how long will the 27-year-old will be out of action.

It looks like three different reports have gathered information from the same source, most probably from someone close to Romero.

Anxious wait for Tottenham and Argentina

Cristian Romero is a starter for both the Premier League side and his country.

Roberto De Zerbi needs him to help the north London club stay in the top flight while he is a key player under Lionel Scaloni for Argentina. Therefore, both Spurs and the world champions will be anxiously waiting for the test results.

Last week, the player’s father, Victor, said Tottenham Hotspur could sell him for €43.4-60.6m.

He’s not short of options to change clubs in the next window. If Romero were to suffer a serious setback and miss the World Cup, it would impact his potential summer transfer.

Spurs’ remaining Premier League fixtures:

Defender Perr Schuurs has opened up about the darkest period of his career, and how it ruined moves to Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur.

In an emotional interview with De Telegraaf, the 26-year-old describes a two-year battle with pain, uncertainty and mental collapse, and how he is now finally seeing a way back.

Crystal Palace and Tottenham attempts

Perr Schuurs is currently a free agent after leaving Torino in February. That departure came an injury hit two years. He previously spent 286 days out with a cruciate ligament injury suffered in October 2024 and is currently on 618 days following knee surgery.

Before the latest problem, he had been one of Serie A’s most in-demand defenders. After impressing at Torino, he had multiple Premier League clubs pushing hard. That included Crystal Palace and Tottenham.

“I had reached an agreement with Inter in the summer for a five-year contract, but the club couldn’t come to an agreement with Torino,” he said.

“Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur also wanted to do business and pay more. They offered €35m, Inter €30m. While Torino demanded at least €40m. A stalemate arose. That played a role in the background as well. I was sick about not having made a transfer. Still am, actually,”

Injury nightmare

Two months later, Perr Schuurs suffered the injury that changed everything. The knee injury, suffered against injury, triggered a medical mystery that left specialists across Europe baffled.

“Everything seemed to have gone well, but after a week I had a reaction on the outside of my knee,” he explained.

“I was dying of pain. Instead of four weeks, I walked on crutches for four months. That’s when all the alarm bells went off. I saw the best orthopaedists in England, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. But the cause of the complaints was not found.”

That left the defender miserable. Not only had he missed big moves to Crystal Palace and Tottenham, but his career was also now on the ropes.

“I had fallen from the peak of my career and the most beautiful phase of my private life into the deepest ravine, one I didn’t even know existed,” he admitted.

“It manifested itself in fits of crying and immense anger. One evening, when I really couldn’t take it anymore, I said to my girlfriend: sleep well and I hope I don’t wake up again. I never considered ending my life.”

Focus on the comeback

Now the defender is back on the road to recovery. He can see light at the end of the tunnel and is hoping for a redemption arc made for the movies.

“I would have preferred to lie in bed with the curtains closed,” he concluded.

“I was shocked by the person I had become; I haven’t been myself for two years. Now I have been pain-free for weeks and feel better and better. I want to make the most beautiful comeback ever.

“I am focusing on being in top shape by the end of June. Then I will start looking for a club. When I think about that, tears well up in my eyes. On the other hand, it is painful that it is a dream.”

Fabio Paratici’s Tottenham exit came abruptly earlier this year and caught many by surprise. The Italian has now spoken about his time in the Premier League, while addressing other matters involving his career.

Sport Witness extensively covered Paratici’s move to Fiorentina, who were struggling inside the bottom three at that point.

They are now back in form and 15th in the table. More than that, they are unbeaten in the last four Serie A games, showcasing clear improvement under Paolo Vanoli.

The 53-year-old has now spoken to Corriere della Sera about his career, time at Tottenham and why he left the London side.

Paratici full of praise for Spurs

The interview starts with Paratici being asked about whether Fiorentina’s glittering training ground is a reason for his arrival.

He agreed, saying: “Yes. I signed a long contract because I want to see ten of the boys who grew up here reach the first team, and others become professionals.”

Paratici also revealed that Fiorentina’s league standing didn’t change his perception about the project.

“When Ferrari and Goretti came to London, it was mid-December and Fiorentina had six points. I immediately said that the standings didn’t worry me.

“Not in the sense that it wasn’t bad, but because of the depth of work we were talking about, and which the Commisso family wants to support with the love and dedication that are Rocco’s legacy. A lost year would have been remediable. And in any case, we won’t lose it.”

This led to him being asked about his experience at Tottenham. He hailed how everything at the club is extensively researched before a decision is made.

Paratici responded: “Everything else. The Premier League is as good as the NBA. I’ll just tell you that the head of human resources evaluated 50 resumes for my assistant.

“Everything there is perfect, and of a superior standard. They run more, but above all they run the ball faster. They have to learn to pass better for that, and the training pitches are always mowed and wet. Technique comes naturally that way.”

Desire to copy Tottenham approach

Further, the Italian said he wants to replicate the Spurs approach in Italy. In the process, he also took a shot at how different things are in Serie A.

“Certainly. First and foremost, extensive training for the 110 employees at the training centre. It’s essential because I study every day of my life, while in Italy everything is empirical. I’m talking about numbers, not algorithms, which would just screw things up. The numbers give me the names of the three best players for the position I’m looking for, then the choice is mine and it also depends on gut feeling. Intuition is crucial.”

“Whereas here, everything is considered an opinion, and as such, it’s legitimate. Instead, I say that missing three World Cups isn’t an opinion, it’s a fact. Terrible.”

Paratici addressed ban

Prominently enough, the ex-Juventus sporting director also spoke about his ban which also stretched until his time at Tottenham. He was suspended from operating because of financial irregularities that were discovered during his tenure in Turin.

“I don’t feel guilty of anything, if that’s what you’re asking. That said, it was a very difficult experience because the criminal investigation lasted five and a half years, and it took strength to sustain it. I was convicted for a technical-financial strategy that involved many internationals, including Rovella, Orsolini, and Spinazzola.

He also expressed doubts about how the entire process worked.

“An unprecedented accounting principle was applied, which I’m waiting to review. The documents mention this, not inflated capital gains, as is being rumored. In a sporting trial, you can’t defend yourself; there’s little you can do. I wanted to close the criminal trial so I could start living again.”

Paratici impacted by Tottenham spell

The spell at Tottenham impacted Paratici deeply. Things operate much differently in Italy, where the game is still rooted in mutual contacts and bureaucracy. It is also widely political and less sporting, and it does hold back Italian sport.

From the interview, it is evident that Paratici wants to change Italian football while seeking inspiration from how things work in England.

Beyond that, he should also be grateful to Tottenham for how they stuck with him during his ban. He was allowed back at the London side right after his suspension ended and given the chance to build his reputation back up.

Tottenham Hotspur were among the clubs in attendance for FC Porto’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, and the visit comes at a time when Spurs are already thinking about reshaping parts of their squad.

Whether they stay up or drop down, changes are expected in North London. That makes fixtures like this useful checkpoints, especially when facing a side like Porto, who combined experience and emerging talent in a strong first-leg performance.

Portuguese reports from O Jogo and A Bola confirm Tottenham had scouts at the Estádio do Dragão, alongside several other European sides. From a Spurs perspective, the focus is likely to have gone beyond one single profile.

Gomes a wide option for Tottenham to consider

William Gomes was one of the clearest attacking threats on the pitch. The 20-year-old winger scored Porto’s goal and consistently caused problems with his movement and direct approach.

He ended the match with three shots, two successful dribbles and six duels won. His current form also stands out, with four goals in his last five games and 13 for the season overall.

For Tottenham, that type of output from a wide player will be relevant. Squad depth in attacking areas has been an ongoing discussion, and Gomes offers both immediacy and long-term potential.

Experience and physicality also on display

Alongside the younger talent, Porto’s more experienced players also made an impression.

Seko Fofana was key in transition phases, using his power and ability to carry the ball forward. He covered ground effectively and contributed defensively with interceptions and recoveries, showing the kind of all-action profile that can translate well to the Premier League.

Zaidu Sanusi, meanwhile, provided energy down the left flank. The 28-year-old full-back handled pressure well and repeatedly drove forward, helping Porto turn defence into attack. Leeds United already have eyes on him.

Both players are older than typical Tottenham signings in recent years. However, if the club are looking to balance youth with ready-made options, they represent different types of solutions.

Veiga impresses – but Spurs have already invested

Gabri Veiga was one of the standout performers overall. The 23-year-old dictated Porto’s attacking rhythm, assisted the opening goal and completed 26 of his 29 passes.

He showed composure in tight spaces and created two strong chances. On another day, his influence might have led to a more comfortable Porto win.

That said, Tottenham have recently committed significant funds to Xavi Simons, who operates in a similar role. While Veiga’s performance would not have gone unnoticed, the positional overlap makes a move less obvious at this stage.

Other notes from the match

Young striker Deniz Gül added energy off the bench and offered a more physical option up front. Winger Pepê also made an impact after coming on, helping Porto sustain attacking pressure late in the game. Both could be good options for Premier League rotation.

Victor Froholdt also made an appearance, coming on for Gabri Veiga in the second half and playing around 30 minutes. The midfielder did not make a major impact, keeping a relatively low profile as the game became more stretched. However, that should not distract from his wider reputation.

Froholdt is considered one of the most in-demand players in Porto’s squad and has already been monitored by Spurs in the past, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his presence in this particular scouting mission.

As for the Nottingham Forest side, Stefan Ortega stood out with several important saves, ensuring the English side remained level despite Porto’s dominance.

In short, Tottenham saw a mix of profiles that could fit different needs depending on how their summer unfolds.

William Gomes offers pace and output from wide areas, while Fofana and Sanusi bring experience and physicality. Gabri Veiga impressed, even if his role overlaps with recent investment.

For a club preparing for potential change, that variety of options is exactly what these trips are designed to assess.

Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race to sign PSV Eindhoven star Ismael Saibari in the summer.

His performances have attracted interest from several clubs and Tottenham now join the list.

The attacking midfielder has been a standout player for the Dutch club and played a key role in helping them win the title this season. He scored 18 goals and contributed nine assists from 35 matches so far.

His Eredivisie stats this season are as follows:

Appearances: 25

Starts: 25

Goals: 14

Assists: 8

Expected Goals: 11.92

Expected Assists: 6.58

Key passes per game: 2.1

Big chances created: 10

Big chances missed: 20

Goal conversion: 16%

On Thursday, former Netherlands defender Khalid Boulahrouz encouraged him to join a club like Spurs.

Tottenham transfer plan aligns with De Zerbi

The 25-year-old is on the rise and Africa Foot now cover the latest on Tottenham Hotspur and PSV Eindhoven’s stance.

The Premier League side have endured a difficult season and are now a point above the relegation zone. New Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi will be in charge of his first game against Sunderland on Sunday.

His immediate task is to help the north London club continue in the top flight. At the same time, Spurs have started working on reshaping the Italian’s squad in the next window.

Tottenham enter the race for Ismael Saibari, ‘driven by internal recommendations that align with Roberto De Zerbi’s playing philosophy.’

Bayern Munich are closely monitoring the player while Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Atlético Madrid are also in the picture.

Tottenham would have battle with several clubs to secure the player’s services, and it’ll be interesting to see where he will end up next season.

The Spain-born Morocco international is expected to receive offers in the summer and the Dutch club would be in favour of a sale.

PSV Eindhoven initially set a €40m price and have now increased it to €50m after his stellar performances. As of now, it’s unclear if any of his suitors are willing to meet their demand.

Contract, value and agent info

Ismael Saibari’s contract at PSV Eindhoven runs down in 2029 and Transfermarkt value him at €32m.

HCM Sports Management, headed by agent Hasan Çetinkaya, are representing the star. Their client list includes Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche and several other players.

Real Madrid can improve their defence by signing Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero in the summer.

The La Liga side could take advantage of the uncertainty around the centre-back’s future at Tottenham.

Spurs have endured a poor run and appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their third manager of this season.

The Premier League side are now 17th in the table, a point above 18th placed West Ham United. The Italian manager’s first game in charge will be against Sunderland on Sunday, and his immediate task is to help the club stay in the top flight.

Real Madrid have also not enjoyed a good run, losing the 2026 Supercopa de España to Barcelona and Albacete Balompié knocked them out of the last 16 of the Copa del Rey.

Los Blancos are second in the table, seven points behind leaders Barcelona. They also lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final earlier this week. In short, there’s a risk of the Madrid club finishing without silverware this season.

Tottenham star can be solution

Álvaro Arbeloa now has Dean Huijsen, Éder Militão, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba as the five centre-backs. The latter two have their contracts until June while Militão has struggled with injuries.

Several claims from Spain have said Real Madrid will look to sign at least one new centre-back in the summer.

Former Argentina international Óscar Ruggeri, who won the World Cup in 1986, has now given an interview to Bolavip. He urges Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Cristian Romero to fix the key area for next season.

“If I were Florentino Pérez, I would go for Cristian Romero, without a doubt. He’s a fantastic player, a serious player for the position, who formed a great partnership with [Nicolás] Otamendi [for the National Team],” he said.

Our take: Romero likely to leave Spurs

The World Cup winner has a contract until 2029, and Transfermarkt value him at €50m.

Two months ago, Sport Witness covered claims from Argentina of Real Madrid’s verbal agreement with Cristian Romero. However, there has been no concrete claims of their interest in the Tottenham Hotspur player since then.

However, there’s been claims of other clubs’ interest in the South American. Earlier this week, Romero’s father, Victor, said Spurs want around €43.4-60.6m for his son.

The Argentine could be on the move after the 2026 World Cup. It’s unclear where he will move next, but this is likely to be his last season at Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have already made contact for Maxi Araújo, and the Sporting CP defender is now moving into a decisive stretch of the season with interest intensifying.

As we exclusively revealed earlier, both Premier League clubs approached the player’s camp as part of their plans for the summer window. Since then, Araújo has continued to build his case on the pitch.

The 26-year-old has now featured in 37 matches this season, starting 33 of them. He has scored six goals and provided four assists, including two goals and one assist in the Champions League.

Those numbers only tell part of the story. His performances in Europe, especially in high-pressure knockout matches, have pushed him firmly into the spotlight.

Another test in front of Premier League eyes

Maxi Araújo has already been closely watched by English clubs – and that attention is not slowing down.

Reports from Portugal indicate that Tottenham and Chelsea were both present at Alvalade for Sporting’s clash against Arsenal. A transfer audition really, where the Uruguayan delivered another strong performance.

He hit the crossbar with Sporting’s best chance and showed the energy and intensity required for English football. Despite facing Noni Madueke, he held his own defensively and impressed across the pitch.

This was far from a one-off. The same local outlets explain that Premier League clubs have been compiling reports on him for weeks, with multiple scouting missions already completed.

Interest growing across Europe

Maximiliano Araújo’s rise is no longer limited to England, although it looks like his favourite destination.

A BOLA reported that clubs in Italy and Spain are also tracking him, with Juventus mentioned among the interested sides. However, Tottenham and Chelsea remain among the most active suitors, having already taken concrete steps.

The expectation in Portugal, as reinforced by O Jogo, is that offers will arrive in the summer.

His presence with Uruguay and a likely appearance at the upcoming World Cup only adds to that momentum. The tournament could further increase both his value and the number of clubs involved.

Sporting stance and financial reality

Sporting are preparing for that pressure, but their position is clear.

The club want to keep Araújo for another season and are not making it easy for interested sides. President Frederico Varandas is expected to demand significant money to even consider a sale.

Araújo is under contract until 2029 and has an €80m (£69m) release clause. Internally, there is a belief that only offers above €40m (£34.5m) would start meaningful conversations.

That gives Sporting leverage, even if they accept that the market may eventually dictate the outcome.

What happens next

Maximiliano Araújo is heading into another key moment. The second leg against Arsenal in London will provide yet another opportunity for Tottenham and Chelsea to assess him at close range. Scouts are expected to be present again, as highlighted by Jornal de Notícias in Portugal.

Sporting want to hold on, but interest is growing and the player’s stock continues to rise.

With a World Cup on the horizon and multiple clubs involved, this is shaping into a summer battle. Whether Spurs or Chelsea decide to push hardest may ultimately define where he plays next season.

Inter Milan’s efforts to sign Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham Hotspur this summer has hit a roadblock, with Spurs asking price well beyond their means.

Tuttomercatoweb report that the Italian side may frustration in their long-running efforts to sign Vicario as their new number one.

Inter are on the hunt for a new number one goalkeeper this summer. Yann Sommer is edging towards the exit after three inconsistent seasons, and the Nerazzurri are determined to secure a reliable long-term starter.

Sommer’s exit forces into the market

Yann Sommer’s time at San Siro appears to be nearing its conclusion, prompting Inter to accelerate plans for a successor.

Their priority is clear; they want a goalkeeper capable of handling the pressure, workload and expectations that come with being the undisputed number one for a title-challenging side.

Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario has emerged as the standout target. Reports for months, particularly from Italy, have indicated that they’re working on a deal for the 29-year-old.

A report earlier this month stated that Inter had already reached an outline agreement with the Tottenham goalkeeper. It claimed an official offer was on the way soon.

A report yesterday then stated a meeting had been held over the move. All indications are that it will happen this summer.

Ideal profile but unrealistic price

TMW now report that while Guglielmo Vicario is the standout target for Inter this summer, Tottenham’s demands have created an immediate roadblock.

Spurs are reportedly seeking €25-30m, a valuation that far exceeds Inter’s ceiling. They are only looking to spend €15m on their new number one.

That large gap has, at this moment in time, left the negotiations at a standstill. The Italian club are looking to spend, but only half of what Tottenham are currently demanding. It means serious talks will be needed if a deal is to happen this summer.

What happens next?

Unless Tottenham soften their stance, Inter may be forced to pivot quickly. Perhaps Spurs’ demands being so high is why reports are already linking other names.

Of course, everything depends on what happens to Tottenham this season. If they can’t avoid relegation, a fire sale of first-team players is likely this summer. Maintaining their high demands for Guglielmo Vicario in that situation will be a difficult task.

Inter are likely betting on just that. They won’t move now, waiting to see how things develop. Whether Tottenham would knock 50% off their asking price, even in the event of relegation, is doubtful, though.