Cristian Romero expected to leave Tottenham in summer transfer window
Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero is expected to seek a departure from the club in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. The update comes as Tottenham, currently 18th in the Premier League under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, face a battle against relegation. Romero, who is sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury, is reportedly at the centre of a growing belief that his time in North London is concluding.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stated that there is a feeling from both the player's side and the club that a summer move is likely. "It is probably going to be time for Cuti Romero to leave in the summer transfer window," Romano said. The Italian journalist clarified that, contrary to some reports, there is no active release clause in the defender's contract, leaving Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy in control of the asking price. Atletico Madrid, who have held a longstanding interest in the Argentine centre-back, are considered the leading suitors for his signature.
The potential departure of the 27-year-old World Cup winner would mark a significant moment in Tottenham's anticipated summer rebuild, especially if the club fails to avoid the drop. Romero, a key figure since his arrival from Atalanta in 2021, has been a mainstay in defence despite the team's collective struggles this season. His exit would follow a pattern of high-profile players potentially leaving should relegation become a reality, though Romano's reporting suggests the expectation of a move exists irrespective of the division Tottenham find themselves in next season.
In a contrasting piece of news for the club, winger Dejan Kulusevski is set to remain at Tottenham beyond this season. According to Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, cited by Football London, the Swedish international will "definitely" be a Tottenham player next season, whether they are in the Premier League or the Championship. Kulusevski, who has missed the entire campaign through injury, is said to be highly valued by De Zerbi for his experience and personality, with the manager keen to build around him.
The divergent paths of Romero and Kulusevski highlight the complex decisions facing Tottenham. While the club may be forced into selling assets like Romero to balance the books or facilitate a fresh start, retaining committed players like Kulusevski could be crucial for squad morale and a potential promotion push. The final fee for Romero, and the severity of his current knee injury, will be pivotal in determining the next steps of a transfer saga that is set to dominate Tottenham's offseason.
