Nuno Santo will soon have a new centre-back at Tottenham Hotspur…
What’s the word?
Spurs have edged closer and closer to sealing Cristian Romero in a £47m deal from Atalanta, as per Sky Sports, but in the last few days, news on the situation had gone cold.
However, there is absolutely nothing to worry about, according to renowned Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
“To be clear. There’s no problem for Cristian Romero deal: Tottenham have reached an agreement with Atalanta since yesterday. It’s done,” he tweeted.
“Once [Merih] Demiral signs as new Atalanta centre-back (likely tomorrow), Romero will fly to London to complete his Spurs move for €55m.”
Massive coup
This latest update should alleviate any fears that the Lilywhites faithful may have had as they eagerly await the arrival of a much-needed signing.
Romero has to be considered a massive coup for the struggling North London outfit as last season, their defensive issues were perhaps the biggest problem as they finished seventh in the Premier League and were defeated in yet another major final.
Indeed, Spurs leaked more goals than any of the ‘big six’ and are now even one centre-back short, following the departure of Toby Alderweireld to Qatar.
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It leaves Nuno with only three senior options, one of which is still very inexperienced, in Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier and Joe Rodon.
The 23-year-old Argentine bolsters this key position instantly.
He picked up the Serie A’s ‘Defender of the Year’ award for 2020/21 before capping off his outstanding domestic campaign by winning the Copa America with Argentina, alongside current Spurs star Giovani Lo Celso.
Romero averaged the most interceptions per game (3.1) in the whole of the Italian top-flight, whilst further figures of 3.6 aerial duels won, two tackles, and an 86.2% passing accuracy per outing, via WhoScored, suggests he’s an all-round defensive animal.
His performances throughout the year earned high praise indeed. Serie A expert Conor Clancy dubbed the Argentina international “phenomenal” and a “top, top defender” to This is Futbol.
By comparison, only Sanchez managed more tackles (2.2) and Rodon a better passing accuracy (88.1%).
Spurs fans should be absolutely buzzing with the imminent arrival of the £31.5m-rated colossus as it’s one step in the right direction in fixing one of their lingering issues.
AND in other news, Levy must ruthlessly axe “appalling” £65k-p/w Spurs dud, he doesn’t fit Nuno’s system…