Cristian Romero’s move away from Tottenham is being shaped more by the deal structure than by the destination. Inter are the front-runners, but Spurs are holding out for around €50 million while the Italian side are weighing a loan with an obligation to buy. The defender is also reported to be open to a return to Serie A.

Tottenham’s price and contract position

The money is not the only reason this has taken time, but it is the main one. Tottenham demand €50 million for Cristian Romero, and his contract runs to 2029, which gives them real leverage in talks.

There are conflicting reports on the shape of a deal. One line says Inter are considering an Akanji-style loan operation, an initial loan followed by a compulsory purchase if conditions are met. Another says a move to Inter looks most likely, with the clubs edging towards an agreement below Spurs’ €50 million asking price and closer to €40 million after an initial loan.

That gap is why the negotiation matters more than the club names. Fabrizio Romano said: “Romero, I stand by my information, it's over between Romero and Tottenham. Romero is going to leave Tottenham this summer. He's leaving, that's the intention. Inter Milan are very keen on the player. We have to understand if financially they can make it happen, but Inter are on it for Romero.”

Romano also said the move is likely, but the finances still have to be worked through.

Inter’s case for pushing ahead

Inter can sell the move as a title-level signing. They finished first in Serie A with 87 points, and Romero’s recent output supports the interest. He posted a 7.16 rating across 7 appearances and 627 minutes, a run that suggests a first-choice defender rather than a fringe option.

There is also a clear sporting link between the clubs’ thinking and the player’s own situation. Lautaro Martínez discussed the Inter move with Romero during the post-World Cup break, while the report says Romero is keen on a return to Italy.

The clean reading is that the destination is not the issue. Tottenham want a big fee, Inter want to stretch the payment, and Romero appears open to the switch. What remains is whether the clubs settle on a permanent sale around €50 million or a loan-to-buy deal closer to €40 million before the window moves on.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →