Real Madrid plot raid for €70 million-rated Tottenham defensive mainstay – report | OneFootball

The summer of 2026 will see Real Madrid invest on the signing of at least one new central defender.

David Alaba’s contract expires at the end of the season and is unlikely to be renewed. Antonio Rudiger also finds himself in a similar situation, and given his recent injury woes, it will not be a surprise to see Los Blancos opt to move on from the German as well.

So, at least one quality defender will be needed in the summer. Names like Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate were discussed, due to their potential availability for free, but have since been ruled out.

Cristian Romero on Real Madrid’s agenda

Instead, according to Defensa Central, Real Madrid plan to go after the signing of Tottenham Hotspur defensive leader Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero.

The Merengues want to add character to the heart of their defence and are considering an offer for Argentine international, who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Cristian Romero back on Real Madrid’s agenda. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

The view within the club is that leaders are needed in the dressing room, players with strong personality, and Romero is seen as someone who could bring that edge to Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old defender has been one of the best-performing players in his position in the Premier League for some time now.

Real Madrid have had their eyes on Romero for a few years and believe that a move for him could be feasible, with a price tag of around €70 million being mentioned in the report.

Moreover, Los Blancos are of the belief that the Argentine international’s wages will also be much more reasonable than players like Upamecano, who has still not reached an agreement over a new contract with Bayern Munich.

As per the report, Romero has the approval of chief scout Juni Calafat and is one of the defenders most admired by Florentino Perez and Jose Angel Sanchez. His signing is seen as a strong possibility.