Cristian Romero is confirmed to leave Tottenham this summer, with Barcelona and Inter Milan both interested in the Argentine defender. The move follows a season that saw Tottenham collapse to 17th place with just 41 points, stranding Romero in a squad spiraling toward the abyss. Signed to a new contract until June 2029 in August 2025, Romero committed to the project when the club's trajectory looked unrecognizable. Now, escape has become his only option.
The disastrous season at Tottenham
Tottenham's 2025–26 campaign was one of the worst in modern memory. The club finished 17th with 41 points—a tally that barely separated them from the relegation zone. For Romero, the failure was personal as well as collective. He was red-carded twice and sidelined by a knee injury for the final six games, leaving the defense fractured and the defender stripped of rhythm and confidence.
His form reflected the chaos. Romero's match ratings ranged from a floor of 5.2 in February 2026 to 8.3 in Champions League action, illustrating both his decline and his capability. On the international stage, however, he found redemption. Despite missing the end of Tottenham's season through injury, Romero started all five of Argentina's World Cup group-stage matches, posting a 7.9 rating and proving he could perform when the stakes and the surroundings were different.
The contract signed less than a year prior became a symbol of how quickly fortunes turned. What looked like a long-term anchor in August 2025 had become a prison by summer 2026.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news: "EXCLUSIVE: Cuti Romero to leave Tottenham this summer, Inter held talks with Spurs over recent days. Romero has been offered as option during talks for Djed Spence. Inter keen but costs very high. Barça also like Cuti Romero."
Tottenham's asking price is £50 million, a figure close to what they paid Atalanta for Romero in summer 2021. It is an audacious valuation given his form collapse and injury concerns. Yet Tottenham will not shift. The number stands as a wall between Romero and freedom.
Barcelona and Inter as escape routes
Both suitors represent genuine alternatives to Tottenham's turmoil. Barcelona lead La Liga with 94 points, a title-winning standard that reflects genuine excellence. Inter top Serie A with 87 points, equally dominant and equally appealing. Each offers immediate access to championship football, European competition, and the organizational stability that has evaporated at Tottenham.
For Inter, Romero holds particular appeal. He has played for Genoa, Juventus, and Atalanta during his Italian years, lending him familiarity with the league and its rhythms. The presence of fellow Argentine Lautaro Martinez in Inter's squad and the involvement of vice-president Javier Zanetti—himself an Argentine icon—adds cultural continuity. A defender moving between continents often benefits from those touchstones; Inter can offer both on-pitch excellence and off-pitch comfort.
Barcelona present a different appeal: a reset on a bigger stage. The Catalan club's dominance in La Liga and their historical draw as one of Europe's premier institutions offer Romero a chance to rebuild his reputation at a club with global reach and resources. The move would be more dramatic, a full-scale relocation rather than a return to familiar territory.
The £50 million fee remains the central obstacle. Both clubs recognize Romero's elite-level potential—a World Cup starter, a player capable of 8+ performances. But they are also realistic: a defender arriving with recent red cards and an ongoing injury recovery presents genuine risk. Tottenham's adamant valuation may not match the market's appetite. The next weeks will test whether either club is willing to stretch for a player they covet or whether the price remains prohibitive.
FAQ
Is Cristian Romero leaving Tottenham?
Yes, Cristian Romero is confirmed to leave Tottenham this summer. Barcelona and Inter Milan are both interested suitors, though Tottenham's £50 million asking price remains a significant barrier to any deal.
Why is Cristian Romero leaving Tottenham?
Tottenham finished 17th with 41 points in 2025–26 after a disastrous season. Romero was red-carded twice and missed the final six games due to a knee injury. He signed a new contract just over a year prior but the club's collapse has made staying untenable.
Which clubs want to sign Cristian Romero?
Barcelona and Inter Milan are both interested. Barcelona lead La Liga with 94 points, while Inter top Serie A with 87 points. Romero has prior experience in Italy, having played for Genoa, Juventus, and Atalanta, which could give Inter an advantage.
What's Tottenham's asking price for Romero?
Tottenham are demanding £50 million for the Argentine defender. The figure is close to what they paid Atalanta for Romero in summer 2021. Both Barcelona and Inter are interested but hesitant due to the cost and Romero's recent form decline and injury.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →