EXCLUSIVE: Cristian Romero wants Tottenham exit as Aston Villa circle

Steve Kay

Updated: 1 Apr 2025 07:25 CDT
3 min read

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is aiming to bring Tottenham defender Cristian Romero to Villa Park this summer, FootballTransfers understands.

The 27-year-old Argentine is looking for a new challenge and the Birmingham club are ready to offer him a tempting opportunity.

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Current ETV

Cristian Romero

D (C)

Tottenham

Cristian Romero

D (C)

Tottenham

ETV Range

€65.3M - €79.8M

We are told that Spurs are open to selling Romero but want around £55 million (€66m) for him. Sources with knowledge of the situation say Tottenham are preparing for his exit and are already searching for a replacement at centre-back.

Aston Villa are willing to offer Romero a five-year contract, which is exactly the kind of long-term deal he wants at this stage of his career. However, they aren’t the only club interested.

Antonio Conte remains a big fan of the defender after his time at Tottenham and he is keen on reuniting with him at Napoli. Bayern Munich are also known admirers of the 2022 World Cup winner.

Aston Villa ideal for Romero

The Conte connection might help convince him to join the Italian giants, but it remains to be seen if Napoli would be prepared to spend €66m on a centre-back, considering that they are also looking to add a winger and potentially a striker this summer.

At Aston Villa, Romero would link up with fellow Argentine and national team goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, which could appeal to him. Indeed, the overall environment at Villa Park, with a large contingent of Spanish speakers, seems ideal.

The Villans have shown their ambition under Unai Emery and they still have every chance of qualifying for the Champions League. Meanwhile, Tottenham's only route of returning to Europe's premier competition is via the Europa League.

With the summer transfer window approaching, Romero has a big decision to make. Where he ends up next season is still up in the air, but one thing is certain: he won’t be short of options.