Atletico Madrid cooling interest in Tottenham defender Cristian Romero could open door for Real Madrid to swoop in
Tottenham Hotspur have been looking to resolve the future of Cristian Romero for some time now.
The 2022 World Cup winner has expressed his desire to play in La Liga, with Atletico Madrid showing concrete interest in his signature. The 27-year-old’s aggressive, front-footed style of play fits perfectly with what Diego Simeone demands from his defenders.
Diego Simeone has also publicly called Cristian Romero a “great player”, further adding fuel to the speculation. But new Spurs head coach Thomas Frank wants to keep hold of the Argentinean international and build the team around him next season. He will want to shore up the leaky defence from last season and perhaps feels keeping a player of Romero’s experience and quality would help his team massively.
Cristian Romero has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid for months now
As a result, according to Spanish outlet AS, Atletico Madrid have grown tired in their pursuit of the Tottenham star and have given up hope of completing the signing this summer. The North Londoners have done well to resist all their attempts to sign Romero, and Los Colchoneros will now turn their focus to alternative options. But in doing so, it will open the door for their bitter cross-town rivals Real Madrid to swoop in.
Chance for Real Madrid to go for Cristian Romero
Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Romero earlier this year and could now return to test the Lilywhites’ resolve with an offer.
With injuries preventing Eder Militao and David Alaba to participate at the Club World Cup, new coach Xabi Alonso had limited options to use in defence. Los Blancos remain the transfer market for another new centre-back after the acquisition of highly-rated Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in June.
Given Romero has two years remaining on his contract at N17, Real Madrid may go for the offensive after being eliminated from the Club World Cup in an embarrassing fashion. They were beaten 4-0 by defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the semis, with Alonso’s defenders all over the place in Huijsen’s absence due to suspension.
Thomas Frank must do everything possible to keep hold of Cristian Romero
Tottenham must show ambition by keeping hold of Romero
A potential move to Real Madrid would be a difficult proposition to reject for any player, particularly in the case of Romero, who has admitted his desire to play in La Liga in the future. Constant speculation since the turn of the year has unsettled him at Tottenham, which Alonso’s club may look to take advantage of to rebuild their defensive spine.
Chairman Daniel Levy has the task cut out to prove his ambition in this transfer window, and one move that could help bridge his relationship with our loyal supporters is by keeping hold of Romero at any cost this year.