Tottenham Hotspur is at yet another significant crossroads. With Son Heung-min's (33) future uncertain, this time Christian Romero's (27, Tottenham) situation has emerged as a major variable under new manager Thomas Frank (52).
Football London reported on the 30th (Korea time) that "Christian Romero's situation is a key issue in Manager Frank's first summer plan," stating, "With the blatant interest from La Liga clubs, Tottenham faces an important choice."
Manager Frank has confronted the possibility of losing two key team members shortly after taking office. Captain Son Heung-min, with just one year left until his contract expires, is attracting interest from multiple clubs including those in Europe, Saudi Arabia, and Major League Soccer (MLS), and he is reportedly more open to a transfer this summer.
Romero's situation is different. With a contract remaining until 2027 and thanks to the contract structure that gives the club an advantage, Tottenham can steer the situation in the direction it desires. Football London emphasized, "Manager Frank wants to make Romero the centerpiece of the new defensive line, and the club has no intention of letting go of the Europa League Player of the Year and 'the world's best defender' praised by Messi at a bargain price."
Romero was only a starter in 18 Premier League matches last season due to frequent injuries, but he played every game in the Europa League, leading Tottenham to victory. Notably, he was named Man of the Match in the final held in Bilbao, proving his worth.
Recently, the interest in Romero has been significant. Atletico Madrid, where Diego Simeone has stated he wants to sign him, will test Manager Frank's full support if Tottenham receives a real transfer offer. Reports from Argentina claim that "Tottenham accepted the transfer offer," but locally it has been asserted that "there is absolutely no truth to this."
The former manager, Ange Postecoglou, had already publicly emphasized the necessity of Romero's retention. He noted, "Romero is a player we must keep in this team. Even with injuries, he has always taken the lead in crucial matches and is a mental support for his teammates."
He continued, "There are almost no defenders who can replace him. We must hold onto him from a long-term perspective."
Romero also expressed unwavering trust in Postecoglou. Immediately after the appointment of Manager Frank, he expressed his regret about Postecoglou’s dismissal through social media. He wrote, "The two years I spent with you were amazing. We lifted trophies and etched our names in the club's history. You have been the best person who carved a path amid all adversities."
Though his love for Tottenham remains, Romero has not hesitated to criticize the club's management during interviews with Argentine media. He has also expressed a desire to play in La Liga someday. His position on a transfer is expected to become clearer in future discussions with Manager Frank.
Frank differs from Postecoglou in style but is a 'player-first' leader who values communication with players and positive energy. Romero's combative playing style is seen as an asset that fits well within Frank's system, and he is expected to play a central role on the Champions League stage. If Son Heung-min leaves, it would not be surprising for Romero to be considered as a candidate for the new captain.
Ultimately, this summer's transfer market could be a watershed moment that reveals not only Romero's individual future but also the true ambitions of the Tottenham club.
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