Barcelona risk missing out on South American star as defender opens talks with Inter Milan | OneFootball

FC Barcelona’s hopes of signing Cristian Romero are fading, with the Argentine defender unwilling to wait indefinitely for the club to create space in Hansi Flick’s squad.

According to SPORT, Romero has decided to leave Tottenham this summer and has started considering other offers after Barca failed to make a concrete move.

The club remain interested in adding an experienced centre-back who can lead the defence, but any operation depends heavily on departures and available funds.

Deco previously met Romero’s representatives, and the World Cup winner emerged as one of Barcelona’s preferred options for the position.

However, Tottenham are demanding around €50 million, a figure Barca already consider too high. Without a defensive sale, the club have been unable to move beyond their initial interest.

Romero’s camp has therefore opened discussions with Inter Milan. His agent is understood to be in Italy exploring a possible deal, with the Serie A club considering structures such as a loan with an obligation to buy.

The defender is open to returning to Italian football, where he previously impressed with Atalanta.

For Barcelona, the danger is obvious. A player cannot be expected to put his entire summer on hold while the club wait for uncertain departures.

Laporte now looks the more realistic option

Romero would bring aggression, leadership and top-level experience, but the financial demands make him a difficult target in Barcelona’s current situation.

The squad already includes Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin. Until one of those players leaves, spending heavily on another centre-back would be difficult to justify.

Aymeric Laporte may therefore be the more realistic alternative.

The Spain international has been offered to Barcelona and would fit the profile Flick wants: experienced, left-footed and capable of guiding younger defenders. His strong World Cup partnership with Cubarsi also adds to his appeal.

Romero may be the more aggressive and longer-term option, but Laporte appears easier to fit into the club’s immediate sporting and financial plans.

Unless the defensive market changes quickly, Romero may complete a move elsewhere before Barca are ready to act.