Barcelona consider Tottenham star as defensive option if centre-backs leave | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have added Cristian Romero to their list of potential defensive options, although any move for the Argentine would depend on departures from Hansi Flick’s current squad.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Romero is set to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, with Inter working on a possible deal and expected to hold direct talks with the player’s camp.

Romano adds that Barcelona consider the 28-year-old an option, but only if the club first lose one or more centre-backs.

That condition fits with Barca’s current squad situation. Flick already has several options in central defence, meaning there is little room to justify another major addition without first making space.

Ronald Araujo’s future could therefore be particularly significant. The Uruguayan has been linked with a possible departure, although there is currently no certainty that he will leave Barcelona.

If the defensive picture changes, Romero would offer a very different profile. The Argentine brings aggression, experience and leadership, while his ability to defend proactively could suit Flick’s preference for maintaining a high defensive line.

Inter could move before Barcelona

The complication for Barca is timing. They cannot realistically move aggressively for Romero while their current defensive group remains intact, whereas Inter appear ready to explore the opportunity immediately.

Barcelona’s interest should therefore be viewed as conditional rather than as an active transfer pursuit at this stage.

There is also the financial question. With Barca prioritising other areas of the squad, particularly the search for a new centre-forward, committing significant resources to another centre-back would be difficult unless a defensive sale created room in the budget.

Still, Romero is a name worth keeping in mind if the market suddenly changes.

Barcelona may currently feel well covered at centre-back, but transfer windows can move quickly. If a significant departure creates an opening, the club appear to have identified the Argentina international as one of the players who could enter the conversation.