Cristian Romero is now rated as one of the very best centre-backs in the world, and he’s a wanted man.
But how much would it cost for Spurs to let him go?
Big Money Needed to Sign Romero
The Tottenham vice-captain is a key player for Ange Postecoglou‘s side, is a regular for Argentina at international level, and appears to be getting better all the time. His physicality, aggression, and ball-playing abilities make him a cornerstone of Tottenham’s defense, and his leadership on the pitch is invaluable. Romero has become the type of defender that top clubs covet, not just for his current ability but also for his potential to lead a defense for years to come.
It’s no surprise, then, that top clubs are eyeing Romero, hoping to lure him away from the Lilywhites. But any potential suitors would need to dig deep into their pockets. According to former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton, it would likely cost at least £70 million to secure Romero’s services. Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton stated:
“I think the fee would be huge. If you think about what Crystal Palace want for Marc Guehi, around £70 million, I know he’s young and he’s had a brilliant Euros, I really like him as a player. I know Romero can be rash at times, that is what it is, but I think for what he does, his recovery tackles, he just suits Tottenham. I think they’d be talking about that same mark [£70 million] and if they don’t hit that I don’t think they’ll want to sell.”
Hutton’s assessment reflects the current state of the transfer market, where top defenders command astronomical fees. The £70 million price tag for Marc Guehi, a younger and less experienced player, sets a benchmark that clubs would expect to meet or exceed for a player of Romero’s caliber. His performances for both club and country have only solidified his reputation, and his value is likely to rise further as he continues to develop under Postecoglou.
The Importance of Romero to Tottenham
Romero’s importance to Tottenham cannot be overstated. His partnership with Micky van de Ven in central defense has brought stability and solidity to a backline that has often been criticized in recent years. The duo’s complementary styles—Romero’s aggression and van de Ven’s composure—have given Spurs a defensive foundation to build upon.
Losing Romero at this stage, particularly so close to the start of the season, would be a disaster for Postecoglou. The new manager is still in the process of implementing his style of play, and having a player like Romero at the heart of the defense is crucial. Romero’s ability to read the game, make crucial interceptions, and initiate attacks from the back is integral to Tottenham’s plans for the season.
Future Threats to Romero’s Stay at Spurs
While Tottenham look likely to keep hold of Romero this summer, the future remains uncertain. Reports suggest that Real Madrid could come calling next year, posing a significant challenge for Spurs to retain their star defender. According to Spurs insider Paul O’Keefe, the club managed to deter Madrid this year by placing a £150 million valuation on Romero’s head. However, as interest from top clubs grows, Tottenham may find it increasingly difficult to fend off bids.
The prospect of losing Romero would be a bitter pill for Spurs fans to swallow. Given the current state of the transfer market, where elite defenders are at a premium, selling Romero for anything less than £100 million would likely be met with outrage. Fans and pundits alike would see such a sale as a failure to recognize the true value of one of the best defenders in the world.
Market Dynamics and Romero’s True Value
In the modern transfer market, prices are often inflated, particularly for players who are seen as indispensable to their clubs. The £70 million figure mentioned by Hutton may seem substantial, but when compared to recent transfers, it could be argued that Romero’s value should be even higher. Defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Harry Maguire commanded fees of £75 million and £80 million, respectively, and Romero’s performances suggest he belongs in a similar bracket.
Romero’s age, experience, and versatility make him an attractive prospect for any top club, and his market value reflects this. Tottenham are under no pressure to sell, and their high valuation is a clear message to potential buyers that prising Romero away will not come cheap. The club’s ambition to compete at the highest level depends on keeping players like Romero, and any decision to sell would likely be driven by an offer that is too good to refuse.
So: Spurs’ Stance on Romero
Tottenham’s stance on Romero is clear: they see him as a vital part of their future and are not willing to let him go for anything less than a substantial fee. While £70 million might be the starting point for negotiations, it’s likely that any serious bid would need to exceed £100 million to even tempt Spurs into a discussion.
For now, Romero remains a key player at Tottenham, and fans can rest assured that the club is doing everything in its power to keep him. However, as interest from top clubs continues to grow, Tottenham may face a tough battle to retain their defensive lynchpin in the years to come.
