Cristian Romero has been one of Tottenham Hotspur’s standout players since his arrival, but recent comments suggest that he could be considering a move away from the club this summer.
The Argentine central defender, who joined from Atalanta in August 2021, has played 89 games for Spurs, earning his reputation as one of the club’s best defenders.
However, after a challenging season, marked by injury struggles, Romero has hinted that his time at Tottenham could be coming to an end.
Injury-Plagued Season, but Romero’s Reputation Remains Strong
Although 2024-25 has been a disappointing season for the North London club, with the team languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, Romero’s individual performances have remained solid.
Despite being sidelined by injuries like many of his teammates, the 25-year-old’s reputation as one of the top defenders in Europe hasn’t taken a hit.
His performances continue to draw attention from several of Europe’s biggest clubs, and Atlético Madrid is reportedly one of the most interested.
Atletico Madrid Linked with a Move for Romero
Atletico Madrid has been mentioned as a potential destination for Romero, with the Spanish club reportedly willing to spend around £43 million to bring him to La Liga.
Manager Diego Simeone is keen to strengthen his defense, especially as several key players are set to leave the club this summer.
The rumor mill has been buzzing with speculation that Romero could make the move to Spain, especially with the summer transfer window fast approaching.
Romero Opens the Door to Leaving Spurs
Romero himself fueled these rumors in a recent interview, where he admitted that he was open to exploring new opportunities.
When asked about his future, the defender shared, “We’re in the Europa League semi-finals, and I want to finish the season on a high note.
After that, we’ll see. My focus is always on growing and looking for new places to continue developing.”
This statement has led many to believe that a summer move could be on the cards, with the World Cup winner leaving the door ajar for other top clubs to make their move.
Tottenham’s Struggles and the Europa League Hope
Tottenham’s underwhelming season, including a disappointing 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest, has left them struggling to compete for a European spot next season.
While a top-four finish in the Premier League seems out of reach, Tottenham still has hope through the Europa League.
A strong run in this competition could potentially secure them a spot in next season’s Champions League, which would be a significant boost after a frustrating campaign.
Romero’s Desire for a Move to Spain
When asked about his future in a recent interview, Romero expressed a particular interest in playing in Spain.
He shared that La Liga was a league he’d like to experience, but he downplayed it as a significant hint about his next career move.
“If I had to choose a league I’ve never played in, I’d say Spain,” Romero revealed, though it’s unclear whether this is an immediate plan or a distant aspiration.
Tottenham’s Struggles and Romero’s Criticism of Club’s Investment
Romero has also been vocal about Tottenham’s lack of investment and the challenges it has posed to the team.
In December, he warned the club’s chairman, Daniel Levy, about the increasing gap between Spurs and their Premier League rivals, criticizing the club for its lack of squad depth.
Romero pointed to clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, who continue to strengthen their squads, while Tottenham has been slow to do the same.
He added, “The truth is, I would say no comment, but… Manchester City competes every year, you see how Liverpool strengthens its squad, Chelsea strengthens their squad, doesn’t do well, strengthens again, and now they’re seeing results. Those are the things to imitate.”
Romero Calls for Change at Tottenham
The centre-back also voiced frustration with the club’s ongoing cycle of change.
“It’s always the same: first, the players, then the coaching staff changes, and it’s always the same people responsible,” he said.
“Hopefully, they realize who the true responsible ones are, and we move forward because it’s a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, could easily be competing for the title every year.”
Romero’s comments reflect the discontent that many players and fans feel about the current state of affairs at Tottenham, and his future with the club remains uncertain as the summer transfer window approaches.
Looking Ahead: Will Romero Leave Spurs?
With his current contract at Tottenham and his reputation as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, Cristian Romero will undoubtedly be a sought-after player this summer.
Whether he stays at Spurs or moves to a new challenge, the coming months will be crucial in determining the next chapter of his career.
For now, all eyes will be on the Europa League, where Romero and Tottenham have one final chance to salvage their season and potentially secure European football for next year.