Tottenham defender Cristian Romero celebrates beating Cape Verde with Argentina

Cristian Romero is set to leave TottenhamImago

Sources: Tottenham put Cristian Romero transfer plan in place amid World Cup developments

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Published on:

04 Jul 2026, 9:40 am

Cristian Romero remains likely to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer despite his impressive World Cup performances, sources have told Football Insider.

Spurs are planning for life without the 28-year-old, and have already signed centre-backs Marcos Senesi on a free transfer and Jan Paul van Hecke, who arrived in a £52million deal from Brighton.

Luka Vuskovic is set to go the other way, after a £50m fee that will see the teenager join the Seagulls was agreed.

Tottenham view the World Cup as the ideal shop window for Romero, who has three years remaining on his contract in north London.

The centre-back has attracted interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid in the past, with top European clubs thought to be tracking him this summer.

Romero had suffered an injury scare against Austria, but featured throughout as Argentina needed extra time to see off Cape Verde 3-2 on Friday to reach the round of 16.

Cuti and Marcos reach the Round of 16 with Argentina after beating Cape Verde in extra time 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/49fqWqBS9h
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 4, 2026

Cristian Romero set to leave Tottenham

There has been whispers for some time now that Romero is keen to leave Tottenham.

The centre-back has made his feelings clear several times on the lack of investment and involvement from the owners, and while they appear to have finally listened, it may be too late to keep him at the club.

And with Senesi and Van Hecke now at the London giants, it appears that Tottenham will need to create room for their centre-back arrivals.

It will remain to be seen just how big a loss Romero will be, however. At times last season, the defender was more a liability than a reliable captain.

The 28-year-old was sent off in a December defeat to Liverpool for dissent, and while Tottenham chased results in February and March, the Argentine sat out serving a four-game suspension he had picked up for a completely reckless challenge against Manchester United.

The talent is undoubtedly there, but there has always been an inkling that Argentina sees a better version of Romero than Tottenham ever has.

Tottenham signing has paved the way for Cristian Romero to leave - expert

Romero's stats vs Cape Verde

Romero was impressive throughout as Argentina made their way into the World Cup's round of 16 on Friday.

The defender misplaced just five of 117 attempted passes, and it was his header that deflected off the arm of Diney Borges and into the net for the winner.

The Tottenham man also made two tackles, three interceptions, four recoveries and won six duels on the night.

Should potential suitors be watching this summer, Romero's price tag looks to be growing by the game.

Club Atletico de Madrid, S.A.D.