Cristian Romero ‘part of the problem’ at Tottenham as ready-made replacement drops return hint

Cristian Romero’s recent behaviour shows exactly why Tottenham are struggling, he is no different than Enzo Fernandez.

That’s the view of talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook, who has slammed Romero after his father publicly addressed the defender’s future and revealed his Spurs release clause.

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Since his £43million arrival from Atalanta in 2021, the Argentine has established himself as a key player at Tottenham.

He was linked with a move away from north London last summer, before signing a fresh deal, keeping him at the club until 2029.

However, Romero has appeared unhappy with the club this term, previously appearing to hit out at their hierarchy on social media earlier in the season, sparking speculation over a potential exit.

Talk of this has ramped up again in recent weeks and his father, Victor, has only added to fuel to fire, as he revealed details of a release clause. 

Speaking to Argentinian outlet Cadena 3, Romero Sr said: “He has two more years on his contract with Tottenham and a very high release clause.

“The English club isn’t going to let him go for free; it’s between $50-70m [£37.8m-£53m].”

Continuing to tease his son’s future, Romero later added: “I don’t know anything, but in football, anything can happen.”

Crook: Romero is trying to force a move

Speculation surrounding Romero’s future could hardly come at a worse time for Tottenham, who are fighting to avoid an embarrassing Premier League relegation, and have turned to Roberto De Zerbi to help save their season.

talkSPORT’s Crook was less than impressed with the recent comments made by Romero’s father, claiming it shows a lack of leadership from the Spurs star.

Speaking on Monday’s talkSPORT, he began: “I’ve been quite public in my views of Cristian Romero.

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“I think he’s part of the problem at Spurs. If he’s the leader in the group, that doesn’t say much for the rest of them. 

“I don’t think he’s a particularly good defender for someone who has won the biggest prize in football [the 2022 World Cup]. And this sums up the attitude of certain players in that dressing room.”

Continuing to slate Romero, Crook then likened his behaviour to that of his Argentina teammate, Enzo Fernandez, at Chelsea.

Fernandez was recently suspended for two games by the Blues, after he made a string of comments in the media appearing to suggest he could leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Crook went on: “I don’t believe that his dad would have leaked that information without Romero’s say so.

“And it’s an issue that Roberto De Zerbi is going to have to tackle right from the off here. 

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“He’s not said it outright, but this is not dissimilar to why Chelsea have sanctioned Enzo Fernandez. 

“He’s basically flirting and trying to get himself a move away via his dad.”

Ready-made replacement?

With Romero’s future in north London being thrown into doubt, Spurs may not need to look too far if they need a replacement.

Currently on loan at Hamburg, young defender Luka Vuskovic recently appeared to hint he return to Tottenham next season.

The 19-year-old signed for Spurs from Hajduk Split last summer before being loaned out to the Bundesliga, where he has since impressed defensively, while also scoring five goals.

His strong performances have seen him linked with a number of top European sides, including Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

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However, in a recent interview with German outlet Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Vuskovic appeared to suggest a return to Tottenham could be on the cards.

The Croatian said: “In football, you never know.

“It could happen next year, or in ten years. I don’t want to promise anyone anything.

“After this season, I’ll be a Tottenham player again. I have a contract there until 2030.”

Vuskovic has previously been tipped to step up to the plate should Romero leave Spurs, with European football expert Andy Brassell naming him in his predicted Tottenham starting XI for next season under De Zerbi.