Alderweireld: ‘Romero can leave Tottenham if he wants to’ | OneFootball

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld has delivered a blunt verdict on Cristian Romero’s uncertain future.

The Belgian insists Spurs should move quickly if their captain has doubts about staying at the club.

Alderweireld, one of the cornerstones of the last genuinely competitive Tottenham side, has watched with concern as they have registered back-to-back 17th-place finishes.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Alderweireld admitted the ongoing speculation surrounding Romero is damaging for a club attempting to rebuild under manager Roberto De Zerbi.

“It’s not positive when your captain is rumoured to go away,” Alderweireld said.

“That needs to be cleared very quickly. If he goes, he goes. If he stays, we need to get back to the mindset to become very solid.”

The former centre-back was equally clear about the standards expected from a captain.

“Your captain needs to be the face of the club, the team, and when he’s doubting staying, if that’s true, you need to go,” he added. “We’d need someone else.”

Alderweireld praised Romero’s qualities, describing him as an unbelievable player who fights for the club, but also pointed to his disciplinary issues.

The Argentine has collected four Premier League red cards since arriving in London in 2021, more than any other player during that period.

“We have to have an answer very quickly,” Alderweireld said. “If he’s staying, keep him captain. But he needs to be good for the team. The club needs to be number one.”

Tottenham need to sever ties with Romero

Tottenham should already be preparing for life after Romero.

If Jan Paul van Hecke arrives from Brighton & Hove Albion, Spurs must cash in immediately.

Romero’s quality has never been in doubt, but the constant transfer rumours, public frustration and recurring disciplinary lapses have become an unnecessary distraction.

Tottenham cannot keep rebuilding around a player who appears to have one eye on an exit.

Van Hecke offers leadership, consistency and Premier League-proven reliability.

Selling Romero would draw a line under the uncertainty and send a clear message that nobody is bigger than the club.