Manager Roberto De Zerbi confirms respect for Romero's desire to leave Spurs after five seasons
Category: Sports
Tottenham Hotspur has reached a verbal agreement to sell defender Cristian Romero to Inter Milan for €40 million (£34 million), as reported by multiple sources, including ESPN Argentina and Metro. The deal comes after Romero expressed a desire to leave Spurs this summer, following a challenging season where he struggled with form and fan relations.
Romero, who has been with Tottenham for five seasons and captained the team last year, is now on the brink of a move to Serie A. His departure marks a notable shift for Spurs, who have already bolstered their defensive lineup with the signings of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi earlier this summer.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi has publicly stated his respect for Romero's decision to seek a new challenge. "At the beginning of my time, in April, I had, I don’t know, one million individual meetings," De Zerbi said, emphasizing the communication he had with players about their aspirations. He added, "Yes, help me to stay up, and then I help you to leave. If you don’t help me to stay up, you stay underwater with me!" De Zerbi praised Romero's professionalism during his tenure, noting, "But Romero with me was unbelievable. Top, in his behaviour, his respect; he suffered when he did not play the last game."
Amidst the discussions surrounding his transfer, De Zerbi also dismissed rumors that Romero wanted to leave for Argentina to prepare for the World Cup, stating, "It is not true that he wanted to leave for Argentina to prepare for their World Cup. It’s not true." Instead, he indicated that he respected Romero's wishes and had not pressured him to stay, as he had with other players like Luka Vuskovic, who recently departed for Brighton.
Romero's desire to leave Spurs has been evident for some time, particularly after a tumultuous 2025/26 season, where he faced criticism from fans and struggled with injuries. His relationship with the club became strained, leading to speculation about his future. Interest from clubs such as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid had been reported but did not materialize into formal offers. As a result, Inter Milan emerged as the frontrunner for the Argentine defender, with the club's sporting director, Piero Ausilio, confirming their interest: "We are interested for sure, it's true. We spoke to the agent and Tottenham. We will see what happens."
Romero's situation at Tottenham has been complicated by the club's recent defensive acquisitions. Spurs valued him at €60 million last season but have accepted a lower fee this summer due to a lack of competitive interest in the player. With the arrival of new defenders, the need for Romero in the squad diminished significantly. The club's strategy appears to be shifting, as they look to restructure their defense after a disappointing season.
During the 2025/26 campaign, Romero struggled both on and off the pitch, which contributed to a growing sentiment that a change might be beneficial for all parties involved. Fans expressed frustration over his perceived commitment to the national team over club duties, particularly during a relegation battle. This dissatisfaction, combined with his inconsistent performances, led many to believe that a transfer would be the best outcome.
With the verbal agreement in place, the next step is for Romero to negotiate personal terms with Inter Milan. Reports suggest that he is yet to finalize this aspect of the deal, leaving the door open for potential interest from other clubs. Should negotiations with Inter falter, it could reignite interest from La Liga clubs that have been linked to him in the past.
The impending transfer of Cristian Romero marks a new chapter for both the player and Tottenham Hotspur. For Romero, a move to Inter Milan could provide the fresh start he desires, allowing him to regain his form in a familiar environment. For Spurs, the successful sale of their former captain opens up new possibilities for squad adjustments and financial flexibility as they continue to build a competitive team.
As of now, the transfer window remains open, and Tottenham is expected to finalize the details of Romero's move in the coming days. The club's ability to secure a strong fee for a player they valued highly just a year ago indicates a strategic adjustment in their approach to player management and transfers.
In the coming weeks, fans will follow closely closely as Romero's situation develops, with many eager to see how the transfer will impact both his career and Tottenham's ambitions for the upcoming season. The club's next match and any potential updates on Romero's personal agreement with Inter will be closely monitored as the summer transfer window progresses.