Cristian Romero ‘to leave Tottenham within weeks’ in ‘exceptional’ transfer
Cristian Romero could end his association with Tottenham in a matter of a few weeks amid interest from Atletico Madrid.
Spurs have had a nightmare of a season under Ange Postecoglou, as they sit 15th in the Premier League with only six games left.
Tottenham’s only hope of qualifying for European football next season depends on their success in the UEFA Europa League, in which they face Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final.
Should that not be the case, Daniel Levy is certain to have players knocking on his door asking to leave the North London giants, with Romero already looking like one of them.
Romero keen on £45million Atletico Madrid transfer
Romero has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid in recent weeks, and it appears the Spanish heavyweights are determined to get a deal over the line.
Diego Simeone’s side have made the Argentina international their defensive target for the summer, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper reported via their website on Saturday (19 April) that Atletico are positive about signing the centre-back for under £45m.
| Matches | Minutes | Goals | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
| 22 | 1787′ | 1 | 22 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
There is also an increasing belief in Madrid that Romero would be keen on joining Simeone’s squad as one of their two defensive signings this summer.
Simeone is seemingly eyeing an overhaul of his defensive department, with Cesar Azpilicueta, Axel Witsel and Reinildo Mandava running out of their contracts.
On top of that, Clement Lenglet is due to return to Barcelona when his loan deal expires.
While all their contracts run until the end of June, they could leave prematurely during the ‘exceptional registration’ window that lasts for 10 days between 1 and 10 June.
This means those players are doubtful to feature for Atletico during the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, starting on 14 June and ending on 13 July.
Romero to leave Tottenham before Club World Cup
Atletico would be short of options in defence if all four of those players were to leave before the Club World Cup, and that is why they may fast-track their pursuit of Romero.
This could even suit Tottenham, especially if they are certain that the Argentinian will leave them this summer.
The London-based club could use the £45m to plan their own signings and even steal a march on their Premier League rivals to sign £50m-rated Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.
Selling Romero to Atletico during the short transfer window before the Club World Cup is thus a win-win situation for everyone involved.