Former Tottenham senior scout Brian King says Spurs captain Cristian Romero is expected to leave the club this summer, following the arrival of Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.
An aggressive defensive shake-up in north London signals a dramatic tactical change under manager Roberto De Zerbi and could spell the end for a hugely fan-favorite team.
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Brian King: “I think Cristian Romero will go”
Manager Brian King has insisted to Football Insider that Tottenham’s early and decisive summer business strongly hints at the 28-year-old Argentine centre-back’s imminent departure.
Spurs recently signed Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke on a huge £52m deal, following the free transfer of Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth.
According to King, these moves are aimed at replacing Romero’s erratic profile in the backline.
“Now, does that mean Romero is leaving?” King asked.
“I think Romero will leave. Whoever made him captain of the club, I never understood the decision, because you never knew if he would finish the game. But again, he is a world champion. Romero will leave.”
He’s a tough South American defender. But when he played for Tottenham he became a cannon, right?”
Romero’s public friction with club executives last season reportedly estranged him from some in the hierarchy, making a summer split logical for all parties.
Manchester United focus on Romero’s surprise transfer
Despite his divisive actions in north London, the World Cup winner’s market value remains incredibly high, with Manchester United reportedly preparing a concrete offer to secure his contract.
Top Argentine journalists have confirmed that the Red Devils see Romero as their main defensive target to partner with international teammate Lisandro Martinez at Old Trafford.
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There is also interest from other top clubs. Atletico Madrid have long been interested in signing the defender, of whom Diego Simeone is a big fan of his compatriot.
Barcelona have also been linked with Romero, with Deco keen to sign the Spurs star.
Meanwhile, rumors have resurfaced that Real Madrid, who have long expressed an interest in signing the Argentine, are keen to raid his former club in a bid to sign the Argentine.
