Cristian Romero exit from Tottenham 'basically a swap deal'
Tottenham are stronger after letting Cristian Romero leave.
That is the view of Spurs expert John Wenham, after he completed his move to Atletico Madrid.
The defender had been linked with the Spanish club for a considerable period.
He has finally made the move to the La Liga outfit, after months of speculation about his Tottenham future.
Some supporters are not happy with the £34million fee that the Lilywhites brought in.
However, Wenham believes it is fully justified.
Why Tottenham wanted to sell Cristian Romero
Wenham believes that the hierarchy at Tottenham wanted Romero out desperately, and that is why they were willing to take such a low fee.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “It was the easiest deal to do in football. We owe them £40million, or a high percentage of that from the Conor Gallagher transfer in the winter.
“It basically means we’ve swapped the two of them, we just won’t pay for Gallagher, and they will get Romero, and it’s basically a swap.
“Tottenham just wanted him out of the club.
“He had spoken against the ownership on two occasions, we’re starting afresh with this new ownership this summer, they don’t want any baggage from that previous era around, and they just wanted him out the door.
“Tottenham recruited in advance his replacement in Jan Paul van Hecke, who is incredibly similar in terms of his style of play, and is available more.
“We’re stronger in letting Romero go, people said at the start of the winter, we should be getting £60m, when the club actively want you out and replace you in advance, you’re left in a difficult position.
“We found someone willing to take his full salary, take him off our hands permanently. I think Tottenham will be pleased."
Why Tottenham were right to let him leave
As Wenham mentions, the digs at the board for a lack of spending definitely did not help his case.
His performances on the pitch were often frustrating too, he had a tendency to lose his head on several occasions.
Silly red cards were too often the story, like his one against Manchester United at Old Trafford or when he kicked out at Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate in front of the referee.
Ultimately, Spurs have the options needed to allow to him leave, especially when he could be such a liability.