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Cristian Romero's future at Tottenham Hotspur remains up in the air following a turbulent season

Like many players at Tottenham Hotspur, Cristian Romero has struggled this season.

The Argentina international and his team-mates have endured a horrendous campaign that has resulted in them being plunged in a relegation battle with just over a month to go of the season. Currently sitting 18th in the Premier League table, the north London side will need to earn points and quick to maintain their top-flight status.

However, they'll have to do so without their star centre-back after Romero was ruled out for the season after suffering a knee injury in their 1-0 defeat to Sunderland last week. Spurs fans' last image of Romero could be his walk down the tunnel while crying at the Stadium of Light amid reports linking him with a move to Spain.

Here, football.london examines what Romero's next career move could, claims of a release clause in his contract and analysis of his public statements by a close family member.

Transfer preference

It was after Spurs' Europa League triumph last season that rumours of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid monitoring Romero's situation began gaining traction. Having only played in his native Argentina, Italy and England, the South American star admitted in the most recent international break that he would "love" to play in La Liga.

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Romero said to TyC Sports: "LaLiga is the one [league] left to play in. I would love to, to tell you the truth, I would love to play there because it's the league I'm missing." Coupled with his admission that he's not enjoying himself at Spurs, his comments certainly would have alerted the bigwigs at the north London outfit.

The defender then said to Ole: "I’m not really having the best time there, to be honest. But beyond everything, I have to get myself right, I have to focus on the club now. I need to switch on the Tottenham mindset, try to get out of the bad situation we’re in and, like I always do, give everything in every training session, in every match, and try to move forward."

Release clause

The Argentine set Spurs back £40million when signing for the club permanently in 2022, following his season-long loan. With his future reportedly uncertain amid Spurs' possible relegation to the Championship, the defender has been earmarked by some as a player who could depart north London in the event of their Premier League demotion.

Adding fuel to the fire, Romero's father Victor discussed his son's contract details, claiming that Romero's deal possesses a release clause. Speaking to Cadena 3, Victor said: "He has two more years on his contract with Tottenham and a very high release clause.

“The English club won’t let him leave for free; it’s between $50-70m [£37.8m-£53m]. For me, they’ll want to recover what they invested.” But football.london understandsRomero's contract does not include a release clause that would allow him to join a La Liga club.

Romero's surprise behaviour

Amid Spurs' dismal season, Romero has spoken out throughout the season where he's publicly criticised the club's board for the decision making that has seen them become relegation candidates. He recently called them "disgraceful" for not adding to the injury-hit squad in the January transfer window

The 28-year-old also took aim at the hierarchy's failure to speak up during the difficult moments and claimed they "only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies". Romero's open defiance towards the club chiefs surprised his father who admitted it's not in his son's nature to be so outwardly brash in his comments.

Victor added: "Cuti isn’t one to make statements, that’s why it surprises me. I don’t know anything, but in football, anything can happen. Today, you might be thinking about being close to your family, and tomorrow, they put together a team to win the championship, and everything changes. I don’t want to lie."

Udogie backs De Zerbi

Speaking to Sky Sports, Destiny Udogie tipped Roberto De Zerbi to lead Tottenham to safety.

The Spurs defender said: "Obviously, I personally, I knew he was a really great manager and I think since the first day he came, he brought his own style of play and I think he has quite given us the right tools to go into the game and to show our style.

"From the first day he said it’s really important we stay positive, we help each other on the pitch, off the pitch, to build the right connection.

"And I think it’s the right way to end the season, to have six games to go and it’s really important every day we come with the right mindset, the right attitude and just stay positive as much as we can."

De Zerbi welcomes Maddison back

Roberto De Zerbi described James Maddison as a 'top player' ahead of his long-awaited return to the matchday squad. The Spurs boss said: "There are a lot of different types of leader.

"The leader who talks inside of the dressing room, the leader with the ball, the leader in the tough moment, the leader because he helps the team-mates.

"I think to be a stronger team we need many many leaders, for sure Maddison is different, Maddison is a top player on the pitch with the ball but also as a personality, as a character, as a mentality on the pitch."

De Zerbi believes in his players

Speaking to reporters at Hotspur Way on Friday afternoon, Roberto De Zerbi outlined his plan to rebuild the players' confidence. The Tottenham boss said: "I believe in the people. I believe in the human relationship. I believe in the spirit.

"I believe in the soul of the players, before speaking about tactical dispositions, style of play, defensive play, with the ball, without the ball, set pieces… these things are important but, first of all, I work with people, with their problems.

"There are a lot of players and we have to build or rebuild or find in these last weeks the best relationship we can find. I want to see on the pitch players help their team-mates and push everybody for one target and to achieve our big, big target for us, because if we don't achieve our target, everyone loses something in their career..."

There's a first for everything...

Roberto De Zerbi will write himself into the history books this evening.

Funnily enough, the Italian's first home Premier League game in charge of Brighton was against Tottenham Hotspur in October 2022, losing 1-0.

When the Lilywhites face Fabian Hurzeler's side, it'll be the first time in the competition's history that a manager's first home game in charge of two clubs has been the same fixture.

Tottenham team news is in

Roberto De Zerbi has made four changes to the Tottenham side that lost 1-0 at Sunderland.

Xavi Simons, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Kevin Danso come in for Richarlison, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Cuti Romero drop out.

Importantly, James Maddison returns to the squad, which nobody really saw coming.

Great news for Tottenham, though it's unclear whether he will get minutes today.

Hello

Welcome to our live coverage of Tottenham vs Brighton!

As you may already be aware, Leeds are currently beating Wolves 2-0 at Elland Road.

If they hold onto that lead and run out victors, they will move nine points clear of Spurs.

Not ideal news heading into what is an absolutely huge game.

Thomas Frank was spotted in London hours before Tottenham Hotspur lock horns with Brighton in a clash that could decide their fate in the Premier League relegation battle.

Thomas Frank was spotted in attendance at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon, watching Brentford's clash against Fulham. The former Tottenham Hotspur boss was sitting next to the Bees' owner, Matthew Benham, and sporting director, Phil Giles, in a box.

Last summer Frank left Brentford, where he had spent seven years as head coach, to join the Lilywhites and replace Ange Postecoglou in the dugout. The Dane enjoyed a promising start, winning three of his first five Premier League games in charge.

Before Arsenal ran riot in the North London Derby on matchday 12, Spurs were fifth in the English top-flight. Tottenham fell apart at the Emirates Stadium, and they went on to win just two of their next 14 games.

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Igor Tudor was appointed on an interim basis, but he was later replaced by Roberto De Zerbi. Frank went into hiding and hadn't been seen in public until this weekend.

When the Dane parted ways with Spurs, his agent claimed he's 'decided to pull the plug and relax'. Speaking to Ekstra Bladet, as quoted by Sport Witness, Allan Bak said: "He is going to relax a bit and visit friends and family. Still a little too early for interviews. He is enjoying himself with family and friends right now. Has decided to pull the plug and relax."

Sitting beside Benham and Giles, who he once reported to, Frank watched on from the stands as Fulham held Brentford to a goalless draw. The Bees squandered the opportunity to leapfrog Chelsea in sixth; meanwhile, the Cottagers missed out on the chance to climb into the top half of the table.

Tottenham still languish in the bottom three of the Premier League, but they can climb out of the relegation zone with a win over Brighton on Saturday evening. Nevertheless, Frank certainly left Brentford on good terms.

Upon his departure from the Bees, Giles said: "It has been a pleasure working alongside Thomas. From the moment he replaced Dean Smith, he understood what we were trying to build, and his wisdom, coaching ability, and emotional intelligence have helped transform the club.

"There have been so many special moments with Thomas, and nobody will ever forget the day at Wembley for the play-off final or that emotional first Premier League game against Arsenal.

"But it’s not just what you see on the pitch. He forged a special connection with our fans, helped develop and improve players, and was instrumental in implementing the culture that has seen Brentford go from strength to strength.

"However, just as when a player leaves, it provides an opportunity for someone else to come in and make their own impact. We will never forget Thomas, but now it is time to thank him and take the next steps in our journey with a new leader who we believe can be just as successful and influential."

Premier League Nottingham Forest and Leeds United could be forced into a historic relegation play-off if an unlikely scenario plays out

Tottenham Hotspur's relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and Leeds United could be forced into a relegation play-off, should an improbable sequence of events unfold. Both clubs currently find themselves outside the bottom three, yet will undoubtedly be casting nervous glances over their shoulders between now and the season's conclusion.

There exists a scenario in which a play-off fixture would be required to determine which of the two teams faces the drop, with Tottenham claiming safety. Were it to occur, it would represent the first occasion in Premier League history that such a match has ever taken place.

This unlikely play-off would be triggered if both clubs finish level on points, goal difference and total goals scored. If parity remains across all three criteria, it would then fall to the head-to-head record between the two sides, and ultimately, the most away goals accumulated in those meetings.

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The two fixtures between Forest and Leeds this season both ended up 3-1 victories for the home side. Consequently, both the head-to-head record and away goals tally would offer no resolution.

Should it indeed come down to the head-to-head record, the only means of separating the two clubs would be a one-off play-off match contested at a neutral ground.

The victors of that encounter would retain their Premier League status, while the defeated side would be condemned to the Championship.

While the prospect remains highly unlikely, it cannot be entirely ruled out. Both clubs currently occupy 15th and 16th positions in the Premier League standings, with Leeds (36 points) sitting three points clear of Forest (33 points).

Each team would need to be leapfrogged by 18th-placed Tottenham (30 points) and 17th-placed West Ham (32 points). Just two goals separate the goal difference between the pair, while Leeds have found the net 49 times compared to Forest's 44.

The Whites return to action on Saturday when they welcome Wolves to Elland Road – and they made the most positive of starts by taking an early two-goal lead inside just 20 minutes.

Forest, by contrast, entertain Burnley at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon.

Both outfits will enter their fixtures in buoyant mood, with Leeds having emerged as 2-1 victors over Manchester United on Monday evening.

Forest, meanwhile, progressed to the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday courtesy of a 1-0 triumph against Porto.

Tottenham, in the meantime, face Brighton and Hove Albion at home in the 5.30pm fixture on Saturday. West Ham make the trip to take on Crystal Palace on Monday evening (8pm kick-off).

Tottenham Hotspur have six Premier League fixtures remaining to avoid relegation to the Championship

Alan Shearer has explained why he has changed his mind about Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of being relegated from the Premier League. Spurs are battling to avoid dropping to the Championship, as they have six games remaining to secure their survival in the top flight.

Tottenham appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager but were handed a blow in the Italian’s first match with a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, a result which leaves them in 18th place in the table and two points adrift of safety.

De Zerbi and Spurs face Brighton in the Saturday evening kick-off, where three points would give Tottenham a major boost to their hopes of avoiding Premier League relegation.

However, Shearer has explained why he believes Tottenham could still be relegated, with the former Newcastle and Blackburn striker changing his previous stance of believing Spurs would avoid dropping to the Championship.

“I have changed my opinion on Spurs being relegated, because I look at the other clubs in and around them and how they are,” Shearer told Betfair.

“I look at West Ham, who are fighting and scrapping. I look at Leeds, who got a great result and are fighting and scrapping. I look at Forest, who got a point and who are fighting and scrapping.

“I don't see that with Tottenham. We were looking for the manager bounce in the first game and clearly that didn't happen. It looks as if Romero's going to be out for the rest of the season, which is a blow.

“As we sit here now, Tottenham are the team that are going down because I don't see enough fight.

“I don't see enough attitude, I don't see enough desire to try and keep them in the Premier League, whereas the teams in and around them are showing exactly that.

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“I mean, their fans are already worried, but I guess they were looking for something different from De Zerbi because he'd had a couple of weeks to work with the players. If he didn't know, he's got a huge job on his hands, which I'm sure he did, he will now.

“I think confidence in football is a huge thing. I think attitude in football is a huge thing and they're under so much pressure that you're not seeing anywhere near the ability that some of them have got, because of how big this situation is.

“I know they've got injuries, but everyone has injuries. They probably had more than most over the last couple of years, so that would be one thing you'd have to look at.

“You’ve got to get out there, roll your sleeves up and fight and scrap. They don't give me confidence that they can do that, because if they can do it, then where's it been up until now?”

football.london predicts Tottenham's starting XI for Saturday's must-win Premier League clash against Brighton

Roberto De Zerbi has received two key fitness boosts ahead of Tottenham versus Brighton today. Midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma are back in contention, though the Italian is not sure how long either will be able to play just yet.

Nonetheless, their potential involvement is handy after Spurs lost both Mohammed Kudus and captain Cuti Romero to injury for the remainder of the season.

It has already been confirmed that Guglielmo Vicario won't be available to feature so Antonin Kinsky will keep his place between the sticks following a promising display at the Stadium of Light.

At the back, Pedro Porro will play right-back, Destiny Udogie should start at left-back and Kevin Danso should come into replace Romero alongside Micky van de Ven.

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De Zerbi is expected to stick with a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 against his former employers Brighton and Archie Gray should offer protection in midfield.

It's a tough call to select who partners him but Joao Palhinha is pushing to start after coming off the bench at Sunderland.

Xavi Simons is chomping at the bit for an opportunity but De Zerbi appeared to hint during Friday's press conference that the Dutchman may be utilised from the bench.

He said of the attacking midfielder: "I think he can be important for us in this moment. I don't know, 30 minutes, 20 minutes, but I have this opinion about him."

Further forward, Randal Kolo Muani could start on the right again, purely because Tottenham do not have many other players that can play there.

Lucas Bergvall should get the nod to operate in an attacking midfield position while Mathys Tel is pushing for an opportunity from the left flank.

De Zerbi has talked up Dominic Solanke several times and he views the England international as "one of the best strikers in the Premier League" so the ex-Bournemouth hitman could feature over Richarlison.

Bentancur will slot into the starting line-up when he has rebuilt his fitness but it feels quite risky to throw the Uruguayan straight in given he's been out since early January.

A setback at this point of the season would be rather damaging as there would be a huge chance that he could miss the remainder of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur are two points adrift of safety and take on Brighton in a crucial clash for Premier League survival

Tottenham Hotspur's fight against relegation is not being made any easier given their current injury situation. It's a plight that has hampered Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor throughout the campaign and now new boss Roberto De Zerbi is the latest to try and guide Spurs to safety.

De Zerbi confirmed Rodrigo Bentancur would return to the matchday squad against the Seagulls, but it's not clear if he'll start or be named on the bench.

The Uruguayan has not featured since January with a hamstring injury but has been training in recent weeks. The Spurs boss confirmed Yves Bissouma would also be available, but the game would be too soon for Guglielmo Vicario.

The Italian goalkeeper underwent hernia surgery during the international break. The Spurs boss said: "Bentancur is available to play.

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"I don't know if he'll start the game or not. Bissouma is available but Vicario no. [Antonin] Kinsky played very well in Sunderland but Vicario is another important player for us, big experience, character and personality."

Cristian Romero's season is now over after picking up an injury in the defeat to Sunderland, after Brian Brobbey pushed him into Antonin Kinsky.

De Zerbi added: "Romero, I'm really sorry for him and his injury. First of all, non-stop, the people have to know he's suffering because of this injury and because he can't play anymore for us in this season.

"He's a great captain for us and for Tottenham. We have to be positive, we have Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso, they are very good to play and give us quality with the ball."

Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Ben Davies, and Mohammed Kudus will all miss the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as they continue with their recovery from injuries.

Spurs will have several players out of the game this weekend, while the visitors are in a much better scenario.

Fabio Hurzeler's side are still in with a shout of European football next season, and are just two points adrift of Chelsea in sixth place.

However, the Seagulls will be without Stefanos Tzimas, who suffered an ACL injury earlier this season and has had surgery.

Adam Webster is another long-term injury absentee for Brighton and he won't feature this weekend. James Milner is set to be another absentee, with Hurzeler saying: "He is still going to be out, but he is getting close."

The latest Tottenham injury news as Roberto De Zerbi provides huge update ahead of the weekend clash against Brighton

Roberto De Zerbi has provided an encouraging update on Rodrigo Bentancur ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's huge weekend clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Speaking to the media at Hotspur Way on Friday, De Zerbi confirmed Bentancur will return to the matchday squad on Saturday. The Uruguay international has been out since January with a hamstring injury but has been training with his teammates in recent weeks.

De Zerbi also confirmed Yves Bissouma is available, although the game comes too soon for Guglielmo Vicario, who underwent hernia surgery during the international break. "Bentancur is available to play," De Zerbi told the media.

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"I don't know if he'll start the game or not. Bissouma is available but Vicario no. [Antonin] Kinsky played very well in Sunderland but Vicario is another important player for us, big experience, character and personality."

De Zerbi was also asked about Cristian Romero, whose season is now over due to a knee injury suffered at Sunderland last weekend after Brian Brobbey pushed him into Antonin Kinsky. The Italian said: "Romero, I'm really sorry for him and his injury.

"First of all, non-stop, the people have to know he's suffering because of this injury and because he can't play anymore for us in this season. He's a great captain for us and for Tottenham. We have to be positive, we have Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso, they are very good to play and give us quality with the ball."

As well as Romero and Vicario, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Ben Davies, and Mohammed Kudus will all miss the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

On Maddison, who is now back on the training pitches as he continues his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered last summer, De Zerbi said: "There are a lot of different types of leaders. Real leader who talks inside the dressing room. Maddison is a top player on the pitch with the ball but also as a personality, mentality on the pitch.

"I would like to reach this level for Micky van de Ven, Palhinha is a leader, Bentancur, I would like to push with Solanke, he is one of the best strikers in Premier League. I want him stronger as a character on the pitch.

"I don't want to push too much as we lost Kudus in this way. I will use the players when they are totally available to play and start the training, it's better to lose one game more than get another injury."

Roberto De Zerbi has been putting his players through their paces ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's clash against Brighton this weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur have been given a much-needed boost ahead of their clash against Brighton. The Lilywhites fell into the bottom three of the Premier League last weekend, but they have the chance to climb out when they host Fabian Hurzeler's side on Saturday night.

Speaking to reporters at Hotspur Way on Friday afternoon, Roberto De Zerbi commented on the reaction from his players following the disappointing defeat to Sunderland. The Italian said: "I have to get to know the players better and better every week.

"It is much better. We have no time to lose. We have no time to understand the problems we have this season. We have to be focused just on the next game and to transfer confidence."

On what he and his staff have been working on in training, De Zerbi said: "I can bring myself, I can bring my philosophy of football but also I’m working to create the good atmosphere, a good relationship with the players.

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"I think in this moment of football, especially for Tottenham in this season, the qualities of the players are important but the spirit and the relationship between the players, the love the players put for the club is more important for sure."

So, with that being said, football.london has looked at the five things you may have missed in training at Hotspur Way this week.

Maddison lifts the mood

James Maddison has certainly lifted the mood at Hotspur Way. The 29-year-old midfielder was in great spirits, cracking jokes and chatting to his teammates during down time between drills.

Although Maddison will be itching to get back on the pitch and rescue Tottenham from relegation to the Championship, De Zerbi will have to carefully manage his workload in the coming weeks. The England international ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the summer, and only recently returned to first-team training.

Bentancur also returns to action

Rodrigo Bentancur was also on the grass at Hotspur Way this week. The 28-year-old midfielder underwent surgery on a hamstring injury at the start of the year.

Last month, Bentancur's personal fitness coach claimed he had recently began training alone after weeks in the gym. Daniel Fernandez tipped the Uruguayan to be available for selection again at the end of April, assuming there are no setbacks.

De Zerbi has since confirmed the former Juventus man is available for the clash against Brighton. "Bentancur is available to play. I don’t know if he will start the game or not," the Italian said.

'Play, move the ball!'

De Zerbi has taken a hands-on approach at Hotspur Way, and he's been determined to up the intensity. During several drills, the Italian was heard barking orders at the players, encouraging them to move the ball faster and react quicker to turnovers when they lose possession.

Kinsky put through his paces

Antonín Kinsky was put through his paces at Hotspur Way this week. The 23-year-old goalkeeper suffered a knock during the defeat to Sunderland last weekend, but he's brushed himself down and

Solanke find the net

Dominic Solanke had no issue finding the net in training this week. He was in great form, regularly earning praise from the coaching staff, with one of which heard saying: "Top finish, Dom!"

The 28-year-old striker hasn't scored in the Premier League since the start of last month, when Tottenham lost 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace. Not only will Solanke want to drag Spurs to safety, he'll also be gunning for a place in the England squad ahead of the World Cup.

Roberto De Zerbi thinks one victory could change the story of Tottenham's ill-fated Premier League campaign

Roberto De Zerbi has told his Tottenham players dinner will be on the house every week - providing they win.

The Italian, who will lead his first home match as Spurs boss against former employers Brighton on Saturday, took his struggling squad to high-end Mayfair restaurant Bacchanalia in midweek.

And if the social inspires victory, he would jump at the chance to do it all again, explaining: "I don’t know if we'll win the game for [because of] dinner but I know we ate very well and the food was amazing. If we win, I’m ready to pay every week for one dinner.

"I have to get to know the players better and better every week, now it is much better. We have no time to lose and we have no time to understand the problems we have had this season.

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"We have to be focused just on the next game and to transfer confidence. I can bring myself, I can bring my philosophy of football but also I’m working to create a good atmosphere and a good relationship with the players.

"I think in this moment of football, especially for Tottenham in this season, the qualities of the players are important but the spirit and the relationship between the players, the love the players have for the club is more important for sure."

With just six top-flight matches to play, Spurs start the weekend in the relegation zone. Now they must do something they have only done twice all season in the Premier League: win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

No top-flight side has accumulated fewer home points than Spurs' measly 10 this term.

De Zerbi is confident just one victory could change the story of Tottenham's season, adding: "In my words, what I said last week was the focus is to win one game. I don't know if we'll be able to win tomorrow, I hope so but I think we have enough quality to win the game.

"I think it's crucial, not just for the table. One part for the table, for sure, but because we have to feel again what it's like to win a game and what that can do because I have absolutely no doubt about the quality of the players."

De Zerbi has confirmed midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma are back available while Guglielmo Vicario remains sidelined following hernia surgery. James Maddison will not be rushed back, however.

"I don't want to push too much as we lost [Mohammed] Kudus in this way," De Zerbi added. "I will use the players when they are totally available to play and start training; it's better to lose one more game than get another injury."