The star in question has been heavily linked with an exit from Tottenham.
Tottenham Hotspur are still fighting to ensure they remain a Premier League club beyond this campaign. The catastrophic season has left the futures of several players uncertain in N17.
Cristian Romero has been heavily linked with an exit from the club. Come what may be Tottenham’s status at the weekend, the central defender seemingly wants out, and he hasn’t been short of suitors. Atletico Madrid have a long-standing interest in the Spurs defender, while Manchester United are understood to be keeping tabs on his situation.
The 2022 World Cup winner is also firmly on Barcelona’s radar. Romero has been viewed as the main alternative to Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni by the Spanish club. Now, there’s been a new development over the player’s links with Barcelona.
Barcelona willing to offer a player-plus-cash bid
According to a report from Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona are interested in signing Romero but not willing to pay the €60 million valuation slapped by Tottenham. Instead, they will ‘only’ offer a player-plus-cash bid.
Tottenham values their skipper at around €60 million if they remain in the top flight. This amount is currently outside the Spanish champions’ plans. The idea is ruled out even before formal negotiations begin. The Barca management are trying to involve a player to reduce the transfer cost. There has been no mention of the player they would want to offer in exchange for Romero.
The Argentina international is currently working on his recovery after suffering a knee injury in April. The report adds that the North Londoners will allow their defensive lynchpin to leave, irrespective of their stay in the Premier League.
What should be Tottenham’s stand?
It has been a forgettable campaign for Tottenham, and their skipper Romero hasn’t done them any favours at times, being sent off twice in the Premier League. However, he is perhaps the only player who falls into the world-class category, and losing him in the summer would genuinely be a big blow for the Lilywhites.
Despite signing a new contract only last August, the South American star doesn’t look like he wants to hang around. With no European football next term, Romero wants to join a club that matches his ambition of competing at the highest level and winning trophies. Hansi Flick’s project at Barcelona is certainly appealing, and the Tottenham man could become the leader of their defence that they desperately need next season.
However, Tottenham bosses must stick to their €60 million valuation of the World Cup winner if De Zerbi keeps the club up and not entertain any player plus cash exchange.