Barcelona enter race to sign Tottenham's Cristian Romero

Barcelona have stepped up their interest in Tottenham defender Cristian Romero as they look to fill the gap left by Ronald Araújo’s departure.

Barcelona move into the race

Spanish reports say Barcelona are now ready to make a formal bid for the Argentina international, with Tottenham understood to be asking for about €40 million. Alfred Pedulla reported that Romero’s future in north London remains uncertain.

Atlético Madrid had been seen as the leading destination, but Barcelona’s entry has paused talks between the Spanish club and Tottenham. Romero is also said to prefer Barcelona over other options.

Wider transfer picture

The Romero pursuit sits alongside Barcelona’s attempts to sign Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid and push ahead with a move for Rodri. If all three deals progress, Barcelona could complicate the plans of both Atlético and Real Madrid.

Romero is also a player Lionel Messi has publicly backed, calling him the best defender in the world after Argentina’s World Cup win in 2022.