Tottenham demand £53m transfer release clause for Cristian Romero
Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero holds a transfer release clause of up to £53m, his father has confirmed amid intense speculation over the defender’s future.
The Argentine international has been heavily linked with a departure from north London following a turbulent Premier League campaign.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side currently languish in 17th place, sitting just one point above the relegation zone ahead of next weekend’s crucial fixture against Sunderland.
Should the struggling outfit suffer relegation, the 27-year-old World Cup winner is widely expected to seek a lucrative move elsewhere.
Atletico Madrid lead European interest
Victor Romero recently clarified the financial parameters required to pry the aggressive centre-back away from his current employers.
“He has two more years on his contract with Tottenham and a very high release clause,” Victor Romero explained.
“The English club isn’t going to let him go for free; it’s between $50-70m [£37.8m-£53m].”
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are reportedly monitoring the situation closely ahead of the upcoming summer window.
Manager Diego Simeone is believed to be a long-standing admirer of his compatriot’s uncompromising defensive style.
Despite occasional injury setbacks, the former Atalanta man has remained productive this term, registering six goals and four assists across 31 appearances in all competitions.
Emotional return to Argentina mooted
Alongside European heavyweights, a sensational return to boyhood side Club Atletico Belgrano has also been touted in the South American press.
The player’s father openly admitted he would relish seeing his son wear the sky blue shirt once again.
“It’s a bombshell that keeps getting bigger, and I hope it’s true,” he added.
“As a Belgrano fan and father, what more could I want? But I don’t know anything, but in football, anything can happen.”
New Spurs boss De Zerbi will desperately need his star defender focused as he attempts to steer the club to top-flight safety over the coming weeks.
