- Manchester United linked with Cristian Romero
- Tottenham defender’s value revealed
- Argentine is expected to leave Spurs
Manchester United have reportedly learned it will take over £43.5 million to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero this summer.
The centre-back built a reputation as one of the best in the Premier League—and, at one point, among the elite globally—but his last two seasons have dragged that standing down. Spurs slumped to 17th last year, and now fight relegation again, perched precariously just one point above West Ham United in 18th.
United have tracked Romero for years and even enquired about his price in 2024. He has been under criticism this season amid the Lilywhites’ relegation battle.
Go For Romero?
According to Caughtoffside, the Argentina international is seemingly set to be allowed to leave Spurs as long as the money is right, and there have been plenty of transfer rumours about his situation recently.
The article states that Spurs will let Romero go for around €50m (£43.5m), with the north Londoners not prepared to lose such an important player on the cheap.
Now, though, that interest raises questions. His recent performances have shifted perceptions—what once looked like a defensive cornerstone now carries the risk of becoming a liability.
Why Romero and Spurs Headed For Split
Manchester United fell to a 1–0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League final last season. Bilbao, the host city, offered a rare escape for both sides.
By the time the final arrived, United sat on 39 points, with Spurs just behind on 38. It marked the Reds’ worst campaign since 1973/74, and Spurs’ worst since 1976/77.
Even so, Spurs found something to hold onto. Their first trophy in 17 years brought more than silverware; it brought a route back into the UEFA Champions League.
At full-time, most expected a shift. Spurs looked set to build. United looked set to slide. But instead, it has been the other way around.
Despite a sharp, early surge that briefly lifted the North Londoners as high as second—and still fifth as late as November 8—their season has since unravelled into something far more chaotic, bordering on collapse.
Since the turn of the year, the Spurs have played 13 matches, winning zero and picking up just five points.
Extrapolate that over a season and you end up with a mere 14 points. Never has a big six side looked so close to relegation in the past 15 years. And whether he likes it or not, Romero has a part to blame.
As the captain, he should be leading by example. Instead, he has become a liability at the back, making mistakes too often. This is almost certainly going to be kept in mind by INEOS if they do decide to step up their interest in the 2022 World Cup winner.
Rule out Romero
If Manchester United are looking for a proven centre-back, Romero is not the answer. Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez and Tyler Fredricson form the club’s central defensive options. Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui have also stepped in at the back when required, something Ruben Amorim leaned on during his time in charge.
The only reason United would be looking to add another addition to an already stacked position was if there were serious injury concerns over de Ligt and Martinez. But would you take that risk on Romero?
Two seasons ago, clubs would be scrambling at the opportunity to buy the World Cup winner for the mere price of £43.5m, but now, he is just too much of a risk.
