Report: Tottenham defender on Real Madrid radar but contract could block move
Real Madrid’s Romero Interest is Real, But Tottenham Hold the Cards
Real Madrid are in the market for defensive reinforcements, and as Ben Jacobs of TEAMtalk reports, they’ve got their eyes on Cristian Romero. The Tottenham centre-back is one of three names on Madrid’s shortlist as they seek to bolster their backline after injuries to David Alaba and Eder Militao exposed a worrying lack of depth.
“Real Madrid have drawn up a three-man shortlist of centre-back targets and a move for Tottenham star Cristian Romero is a concrete possibility, TEAMtalk understands.”
But while Madrid’s interest is serious, Spurs are in no rush to sell. Romero’s contract runs until 2027, and TEAMtalk confirms that Tottenham value him at over £60m. Unlike some reports, there is no release clause in his deal, meaning Spurs hold all the power in negotiations.
Romero is on Madrid’s Radar, But Not the Only Option
Madrid’s list isn’t just about Romero. Alongside the Argentine, they’ve identified Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah as alternative targets.
Branthwaite, an emerging defensive talent in the Premier League, won’t come cheap—Everton are expected to demand over £70m for his services. Tah, on the other hand, could be a bargain option, with his contract set to expire this summer, allowing Madrid to snap him up on a free transfer.
Despite Romero’s inconsistencies at times this season, Tottenham have no interest in letting him leave. With Ange Postecoglou keen to strengthen his defence rather than weaken it, Spurs remain determined to keep hold of their key defender.
Madrid Can Offer Romero What Spurs Can’t—For Now
Champions League football. That’s the key difference between Madrid and Tottenham right now. If Spurs fail to win the Europa League, they could be out of Europe entirely next season. Madrid, meanwhile, are not just Champions League regulars—they are serial winners of the competition.
As TEAMtalk puts it, “Naturally, Madrid would be able to offer the centre-back Champions League football, and if Tottenham fail to win the Europa League, they’re set to miss out on European football altogether next term.”
This will be Madrid’s biggest bargaining chip. If Romero wants to continue playing at the highest level, a move to the Bernabéu could be tempting. But Spurs remain in a strong financial position, with no pressure to sell under Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). That means any Madrid approach will have to be substantial to even turn Tottenham’s head.
Tottenham’s Own Defensive Plans
Rather than selling a key player, Spurs are actively looking to bring in defensive reinforcements. Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace remains a target, and another bid for the England international could be launched in the coming months.
That means Madrid’s pursuit of Romero isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Tottenham don’t need to sell, and the player himself isn’t pushing for an exit. Madrid may like the idea of Romero, but whether Spurs will entertain the idea is an entirely different question.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
For Spurs fans, this report is both a compliment and a concern. It’s a compliment because it shows just how highly rated Romero is—one of the best clubs in world football see him as a key target. But it’s a concern because, historically, when Madrid come calling, they tend to get their man.
There are, however, reasons to remain optimistic. Romero isn’t agitating for a move, which is crucial. Unlike past Tottenham stars who eventually left—Modric, Bale, even Kane—there’s no clear sign he’s unhappy or pushing for a change. His contract until 2027 gives Spurs leverage, and there’s no urgent financial need to sell.
Also, the fact that Spurs are looking to add defenders rather than sell them suggests a clear plan. If they want to challenge for the top four and trophies, they need players like Romero, not to replace them.
Madrid may test the waters, but unless they come in with an astronomical offer, Spurs have every reason to stand firm.
-
Transfer rumors, news: Real Madrid eye Spurs defender Cristian Romero
A summer move for World Cup-winning defender Cristian Romero is being considered by Real Madrid. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.ESPN - 1d -
Contract uncertainty opens door for Real Madrid to secure top defensive target for £50m
Real Madrid could be handed a major boost in their pursuit of Ibrahima Konate, as recent report from Fichajes suggests that Liverpool may be open to selling the defender if contract renewal talks ...Yahoo Sports - 6h -
Report: Real Madrid’s Saliba Interest Grow Ahead Of The Summer Transfer Window
Madrid’s Transfer Chessboard: Griezmann, Saliba, and Premier League LinksGriezmann’s Next Chapter in MLSAntoine Griezmann’s time at Atlético Madrid could be drawing to a close suggest reports f...Yahoo Sports - 21h -
Premier League side eyeing sensational Ancelotti return amid Real Madrid uncertainty
Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Carlo Ancelotti’s situation at Real Madrid as they prepare for the possibility of making a move for him at the end of the season. According to reports from Fichaj...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Real Madrid identify five top transfer targets, including Liverpool star & Tottenham duo
Real Madrid have reportedly put together a list of around five transfer targets for this summer, which includes big names from Liverpool and Tottenham.As has been widely reported for some time now, ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Real Madrid eye €60 million La Liga talent as Trent Alexander-Arnold alternative – report
Real Madrid have made it an absolute priority to sign Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer transfer window.The England international’s contract with the Reds expires at the end ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Swap Deal? Real Madrid Eye Chelsea Star Fernandez
Real Madrid Eye Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea Face Midfield DilemmaSpanish Giants Consider Move for Chelsea StarReal Madrid are closely monitoring Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as they assess their ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Florentino Perez aware of Arsenal’s desire to hijack Real Madrid transfer target – report
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi is facing a significant challenge, as Arsenal have emerged as strong contenders to sign the highly-rated midfielder, claims a report from Real Madrid ...Yahoo Sports - 5h -
Real Madrid slam the door on Man City’s pursuit of 22-year-old midfielder
According to an update shared by Fichajes, it has been learned that Real Madrid have no plans to part ways with Eduardo Camavinga, despite increasing interest from Manchester City. As reported ...Yahoo Sports - 2d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Rodriguez takes a common sense approach to analytics
West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez believes that analytics have a place in college football. Rodriguez has learned some really beneficial things from looking at the analytics but he doesn’t ...Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Two ESPN experts pick Rams' addition of Davante Adams as the best move of NFL free agency
The Rams made a splash by signing Davante Adams and two ESPN experts say it's the best move any team has made in free agencyYahoo Sports - 14m -
Manchester City need reliable players and not ‘more’ players insists Pep Guardiola in transfer message
Pep Guardiola has sent a clear message of intent to Manchester City’s chief decision makers over the club’s strategy moving forward into the next campaign.City are set to undergo a major squad ove...Yahoo Sports - 16m -
Tosh Lupoi opens up about what went wrong for Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State
Oregon Ducks defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi opens up about what went wrong against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl.Yahoo Sports - 18m -
Lady Vols versus South Florida basketball TV channel, streaming in NCAA Tournament
A look at TV channel and streaming information for the Lady Vols versus South Florida basketball in the NCAA Tournament first round.Yahoo Sports - 19m
More in Sports
-
Rodriguez takes a common sense approach to analytics
West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez believes that analytics have a place in college football. Rodriguez has learned some really beneficial things from looking at the analytics but he doesn’t ...Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Two ESPN experts pick Rams' addition of Davante Adams as the best move of NFL free agency
The Rams made a splash by signing Davante Adams and two ESPN experts say it's the best move any team has made in free agencyYahoo Sports - 14m -
Manchester City need reliable players and not ‘more’ players insists Pep Guardiola in transfer message
Pep Guardiola has sent a clear message of intent to Manchester City’s chief decision makers over the club’s strategy moving forward into the next campaign.City are set to undergo a major squad ove...Yahoo Sports - 16m -
Ronald Acuna Jr. says he'll be more careful this season -- but no one believes him
From 40/70 to 40/30? The Braves' 2023 NL MVP is rehabbing with a plan to be stronger -- and healthier.ESPN - 18m -
Tosh Lupoi opens up about what went wrong for Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State
Oregon Ducks defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi opens up about what went wrong against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl.Yahoo Sports - 18m