Cristian Romero: Major update emerges on United target’s future | OneFootball

Manchester United’s recent defensive woes could tempt INEOS to strengthen the position in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils arrived at the weekend’s game against Chelsea with four first-team centre-backs missing due to injuries and suspension.

With Matthijs de Ligt, Lenny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez all unavailable, caretaker manager Michael Carrick ultimately opted for an unconventional centre-back pairing of Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui. The duo worked well together as United managed to come away from Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 18 April, with a 1-0 win.

The result turned out to be very important, given that fellow top-four rivals Aston Villa and Liverpool both picked up wins on Sunday, 19 April. Meanwhile, De Ligt remains sidelined with a long-term injury, and it is unclear whether he will return to action this season.

Elsewhere, Martinez’s fitness issues also remain a concern, while Harry Maguire is in the twilight of his career. The situation has seen the English giants linked with several top defenders of late, including Tottenham Hotspur stalwart Cristian Romero.

One of the best in the world

Romero initially joined Tottenham Hotspur from Atalanta on a season-long loan in the summer of 2021. The Argentine’s move was made permanent the following summer after some impressive performances in north London.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has already established himself as one of the best defenders in the world, and has been an omnipresent figure in Spurs’ starting XI since his arrival. The player’s aggression, leadership qualities, and dominance in both boxes have also endeared him to suitors across the continent.

This season, the 27 year old has registered six goals and four assists in 32 appearances in all competitions, all but one of which have come as starts.

Cristian Romero Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Atletico Madrid are reportedly eyeing the player as well. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the player has a release clause that will be activated if Spurs get relegated and that United have already established contact over a move.

The north London side are 18th in the Premier League after 32 games, and Romero is currently out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. An update on his future has now emerged.

Tottenham set Romero price

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham Hotspur are willing to let the player go this summer for €60-65 million. The report states: “With Tottenham battling to secure their league status and facing financial pressure behind the scenes, Romero’s future has suddenly become far less certain than it once seemed, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.”

The report states that Spurs’ valuation could change depending on their financial position and league status, adding: “Tottenham’s leadership are now open to offers, particularly as part of a wider financial reset. The club are believed to value Romero between €60 million and €65 million, a figure that reflects both his quality and his long-term contract, which runs until 2029.”

“That deal gives Tottenham leverage in negotiations, but their financial position, and especially their league status, could influence how firmly they hold that valuation. If the club faces serious pressure, the asking price could shift.”

The report also mentions interest from Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and United, so the Argentine could ignite a bidding war for his signature this summer.

Final Thoughts

There is no doubt that Romero could be a fine long-term replacement for Maguire, while his leadership qualities would be an added bonus to the dressing room following Casemiro’s departure. However, United should be wary of Romero’s disciplinary issues, with the Argentine picking up six red cards during his five-year stay with Tottenham Hotspur.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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