Tottenham talks set with Atletico Madrid as £44m Romero exit update shared
Tottenham are resigned to losing Cristian Romero to Atletico Madrid despite qualifying for the Champions League.
Romero earned plenty of plaudits for his man of the match performance against Manchester United as he guided the club to their first European trophy in 41 years.
Ange Postecoglou has been a staunch supporter of his vice-captain, claiming his return to fitness was crucial for their continental success.
The Argentine was later named the player of the tournament and posted a heartfelt message to the fans, but links with a move to Atletico remained strong.
Romero still keen to move this summer
Tottenham believed that winning trophies might have convinced the World Cup winner to remain in North London, but these hopes have quickly been dispelled.
| Player | Clearances | Ground Duels Won | Aerial Duels Won | Passes | Long Balls |
| Romero | 10 | 3 | 3 | 12/13 | 2/2 |
As reported by Marca (23 May), the centre-back is still keen on a move and is looking to work under his compatriot Diego Simeone at Atletico.
He has informed Daniel Levy of his decision, with the Spurs chairman now geared to meet with the Spanish club’s representatives to discuss the deal.
Given Romero’s insistence on the move, Atletico will seek to lower Spurs’ asking price for the former Atlanta defender, though they are aware that Levy will not entertain any valuation below £44million.
The clubs have a good relationship on the back of previous dealings involving Kieran Trippier, Matthew Doherty and Sergio Reguilon.
Nevertheless, Romero’s imperious performances on the big stage and the fact that he has two years left on his contract will make Levy feel he has all the bargaining chips ahead of any potential transfer.
Levy is a master of outgoing transfers
Levy isn’t the most popular figure in North London, and could see his stock fall even further if he were to sack Postecoglou after the club’s finest achievement since the chairman took over in 2001.
He does, however, reserve credit for maximising the value of his most prized assets.
His sale of Tottenham legend Gareth Bale to Real Madrid in 2013 was a then world-record fee, whilst Kane only had one year left on his contract when he was sold to Bayern Munich for an initial £86.4m two summers ago.
Levy is known as a shrewd businessman, and should the club lose Romero, he would undoubtedly extract the highest fee possible out of the deal.