Incoming Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly keen to bring Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero to Bernabeu during this summer’s transfer window as part of a squad rebuild.
Alonso’s departure from Bayer Leverkusen this summer has already been confirmed, and it is widely expected that he will be announced as Real Madrid’s manager once the 2024-25 campaign has concluded.
Real Madrid are believed to be making strong progress in their pursuit of Bournemouth‘s Dean Huijsen, with the Spain international now expected to arrive at Bernabeu in a deal worth in the region of £50m.
There could be another centre-back arrival this summer, though, as Alonso is believed to be keen to play a back three next term.
According to The Sun, Romero is wanted as part of a new-look back-line, with Alonso said to be a huge admirer of the Argentina international, who made the move to Spurs from Atalanta BC in 2021, initially on loan.
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Real Madrid ‘keen on summer deal for Romero’
Romero has made 123 appearances for Tottenham, scoring seven times in the process, although he has only been restricted to 25 outings in all competitions during the current season due to injury.
The 27-year-old has been vital to Tottenham’s run to the final of the Europa League, but he has been an unused substitute in their last three Premier League matches, with head coach Ange Postecoglou protecting his fitness.
The North London club’s chances of keeping Romero would be significantly boosted if they manage to win the Europa League final next week, which would see them qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Romero is set to line up in the middle of the Spurs defence against Manchester United next week, with the two English teams preparing to battle for a trophy which would mean so much to both clubs amid their domestic struggles.
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Will any Real Madrid centre-backs leave this summer?
Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao, who are currently out with knee injuries, are both set to stay at Real Madrid this summer, and it is possible that the duo could be available for the Club World Cup next month.
Los Blancos will allegedly attempt to move David Alaba on, though, with the Austria international struggling to show his best form for the club since a long period on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Jesus Vallejo is set to leave on a free transfer at the end of June, meanwhile, so it would not be a shock to see two new centre-backs arrive, especially considering the team’s issues in that area of the field this season.
