Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Strengthening their central defence was a priority for Chelsea during the summer and Cristian Romero was on the market.
Romero wanted to leave Tottenham Hotspur, but the 28-year-old went on to join Atletico Madrid instead of signing for Chelsea or another English club.
For Gary Neville, it is a bit of a surprise that Romero never ended up at Chelsea, who eventually bought Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace to improve their backline.
Chelsea's possession vs Brighton
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Gary Neville claims Chelsea were perfect for Cristian Romero
Neville felt that Romero’s aggressiveness and Chelsea’s three centre-back system made them a perfect match.
However, he acknowledges that Spurs may not have wanted to sell their captain and one of their star players to a London rival.
Speaking on Stick to Football, the Manchester United legend said: “I’m surprised Chelsea didn’t sign him. I’m surprised Chelsea didn’t sign him. Now, they might not have wanted to sell him to Chelsea, but I thought Chelsea might be perfect for him. Aggressive centre-half in a three. Yeah, just surprised they didn’t sign him.”
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville
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Chelsea certainly had no problem doing business with Tottenham during the transfer window.
They sold Tosin Adarabioyo to Spurs on deadline day and also allowed Mykhailo Mudryk to join Roberto De Zerbi’s side on loan until the end of the season.
Tottenham have the option to buy Mudryk, but it would be a surprise if they took up their £75m agreement. It is a lot of money for someone who has not played any competitive football since 2024.
Maxence Lacroix not a bad alternative to Cristian Romero
Chelsea may not have signed Romero, but they have brought in Lacroix, who is also a proven Premier League defender.
Despite Chelsea’s leaky defence, Lacroix has still made a strong start at his new club. It is early days, but the Frenchman is currently averaging three tackles and six clearances per game, which are among the highest averages in Xabi Alonso’s squad, according to WhoScored.
Romero would have been a good addition to the Chelsea ranks, but all in all, Lacroix is not exactly a bad alternative.
However, Sunday will be his first real test in a blue shirt as Chelsea take on Premier League champions Arsenal at the Emirates.