Tottenham stalls Romero sale with £40 million price tag amid defence overhaul

Tottenham Hotspur are set to off‑load Argentine centre‑back Cristian Romero this summer, targeting a realistic fee of about £40 million after an ideal price near £50 million proved unattainable. The north London club’s valuation leaves his future in limbo as they reshape the defence ahead of the new season.

Tottenham have framed both an ideal and a realistic price, signalling serious negotiation groundwork. The club understands the final package could land lower, potentially around £40 million, if the right offer arrives.

Spurs are preparing for the new season on the assumption that Romero will not feature in Roberto De Zerbi’s squad. At the same time, fresh contract talks are under way with Micky van de Ven, highlighting a shift in defensive priorities.

Recent arrivals Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi have altered the squad balance, giving De Zerbi more options at the back. While De Zerbi has always admired Romero’s qualities, he was not completely convinced by certain off‑field aspects, according to the club’s internal assessment.

Romero’s injury record is central to Tottenham’s thinking. TeamTalk reports a growing internal acceptance that his injury history could see the club settle for a package closer to £40 million, adding a pragmatic dimension to the sale.

Four major clubs are circling the deal. Inter Milan have entered the race, with talks suggesting a possible loan‑with‑obligation‑to‑buy that would delay a permanent move by 12 months.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have also held conversations, and Atletico Madrid remain attentive, meaning competitive tension will stay high.

Tottenham would like a resolution before Romero returns from his extended World Cup break, with his comeback not expected until August. The timing matters because uncertainty deep into the transfer window rarely suits either buyer or seller.

For Tottenham, the sale represents a clear strategic move to reshape the back line while recouping a substantial fee. For interested clubs, a defender of Romero’s pedigree at a realistic £40 million price opens a different tier of opportunity, potentially reshaping their own defensive plans.