A Liverpool footballer smiles in the foreground; in the background, there is a 2026 calendar, a blurred player, and an older man in a suit standing behind a podium with the Real Madrid crest.
Konaté, Cuti Romero and Florentino Pérez | Camara Real Madrid Confidencial
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The Premier League center-back who's getting closer to Real Madrid, set for 2026: it's not Konaté

'Cuti' Romero wants to leave Tottenham and has a contract until 2027. Rodrygo could be the bargaining chip

by

Alex Moreno

Real Madrid has a clear defensive target for 2026: Cristian Romero. The Argentine center-back, current captain of Tottenham, will enter the final year of his contract and could be available at a lower cost. This makes him a priority for the club's sporting management.

Romero, known as "Cuti," recently stood out in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG, scoring the temporary 2-0. However, Tottenham lost on penalties and the Argentine was left without a title.

Real Madrid's plan

After the Super Cup, Romero's name gained traction again in Chamartín. Real Madrid has already started close monitoring and believes his profile fits perfectly into Xabi Alonso's project in the medium term.

According to Tomás González Martín, a journalist close to Florentino Pérez, "The Premier League leads the market and Romero's agent wants his center-back to leave Tottenham and join Real Madrid. His intention is for Daniel Levy, owner of Spurs, to exchange him for Rodrygo to lower the Brazilian's cost."

Tottenham footballer celebrating a goal with a clenched fist and an expression of euphoria in a stadium full of fans
Cuti Romero in the UEFA Super Cup | X

This exchange would open the door to strengthening the defense without compromising the club's finances too much. In addition, Romero brings youth, international experience, and defensive strength, qualities that Madrid values for the coming years.

Uncertain but promising future

The Argentine player, World Cup champion and two-time Copa América winner with the national team, has shown interest in a competitive project in Europe. His agent, Ciro Palermo, is working to facilitate a move that benefits all parties.

At Tottenham, Romero keeps a high level, but the contractual situation and his desire to advance in his professional career could speed up his departure. Real Madrid is keeping a close eye, evaluating the best way to bring him in for 2026.

With Rodrygo as a bargaining chip, the club could reduce costs and secure an elite center-back for the coming years. In addition, Romero's arrival would help keep balance and solidity in the backline, without relying solely on veteran players like Alaba or Rüdiger.

Two Real Madrid players hug each other while celebrating a goal during a soccer match.
Rodrygo and Mbappé against Tirol | Real Madrid Confidencial

Meanwhile, Tottenham is preparing to face the Premier League and Champions League with the pressure of either keeping or negotiating its captain. In Madrid, the plans are clear: patience, strategy, and a signing that could make a difference in the Merengue defense over the next decade.

The Cristian Romero saga is far from over, but everything points to Real Madrid being his destination in 2026 if the right conditions are met.

➡️ First Team

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