When Tottenham tied down newly-named captain Cristian Romero to a contract extension last summer, it was regarded by the majority as their most important coup of the summer.
Romero, who inspired our Europa League success with a string of dominant defensive displays, was a coveted man, but it was that victory in Bilbao, which meant Champions League football for 2025/26, that allowed the Argentine to feel comfortable committing to the Lilywhites.
However, that statement of intent has quickly come to look rather optimistic. Instead of building on one glorious night, Tottenham are staring down the barrel of a first relegation in almost 50 years. The captain is far from blameless, too.
No matter the club's fate, there's an expectation that Romero will leave north London this summer, likely with an ambiguous legacy. While Fabrizio Romano has reported the dissolution of an arrangement the captain made with former executive chairman Daniel Levy, Spurs surely won't stand in Romero's way if a big boy comes in with a big boy offer.
Given what's played out this season, moving on might be the best thing to do, even if Romero, on his day, is one of the world's best centre-backs.
Here are five clubs that could move for Tottenham's captain in the summer.
1. Atlético Madrid
Atléti made a push for Romero last summer, but were eventually deterred, leading to the defender extending his stay in north London.
It's a move that makes a ton of sense, and Diego Simeone has never been shy to hide his admiration. Atléti are well stocked at centre-back, but you'd argue that there's no standout performer. Simeone could do with a tone-setter in his backline, and Romero is most certainly that.
We're all expecting our recent Champions League slayers to come back in for the Argentine, but there have been reports playing down Atléti's interest. They may well have been spooked by Romero's chaotic campaign, plagued by suspensions and concentration lapses.
Still, I still see the Metropolitano as Romero's most likely next home.
2. Real Madrid
If not Atléti, then why not cross city rivals Real?
Los Blancos made an attempt to regenerate an ageing and injured defence last summer, acquiring Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen from the Premier League. However, their backline has been ravaged by fitness setbacks again this term, meaning veteran Antonio Rüdiger is continuing to play a major role in what is now Álvaro Arbeloa's team, not Xabi Alonso's.
Raúl Asencio simply isn't up to scratch, and who knows how good the once brilliant Éder Militão will be when he returns from another long-term injury? Huijsen is their guy for the long haul, but there's space for another stalwart alongside the Spaniard.
They've tested the free agency market plenty in recent years, but Romero must surely tempt them. The Argentine relishes the grand stage, and although he'd have to resist breaking the legs of Madrid's Brazilian contingent in training, I really think Romero is built for the biggest of arenas.
3. Barcelona
La Liga's biggest have all been linked, with Barcelona almost certain to sign at least one centre-back this summer.
Barça opted against acquiring an Iñigo Martínez replacement ahead of the 2025/26 season, and have been rather fortunate that Gerard Martín, who emerged into Hansi Flick's set up as a rather uninspiring left-back, has slotted in seamlessly alongside Pau Cubarsí. Eric García has also filled in ably, but Ronald Araújo is starting to have more joy as a full-back.
While the Spanish champions are likely to target a left-footed defender to play on the left side of their defence, Romero is capable on his 'wrong' side. And even if he doesn't boast Micky van de Ven's recovery pace, he's athletic enough not to be completely exposed in a mightily aggressive out-of-possession framework.
Lionel Messi wanted the Blaugrana to sign Tottenham's captain before he became a world champion and, more impressively, a Europa League winner. This summer, they may finally grant the GOAT's wish.
4. Roma
While Romero has previously flirted with the idea of one day playing in Spain, a return to a familiar land shouldn't be ruled out.
I'm not sold on the Saudi links, and the defender will surely regard himself as steps above the Türkish Super Lig, even if Galatasaray present him with an offer he cannot refuse.
He's got to remain in one of Europe's premier divisions, and it was in Serie A where Romero earned his big breaks. First with Genoa, then Atalanta. Fabio Paratici prised the Argentine away from Italy off the back of a campaign that earned him defensive MVP honours in Italy's top flight.
There have been murmurs regarding the potential interest of various Italian clubs, including Antonio Conte's Napoli. Romero never seemed particularly fond of Conte, but he did have an excellent relationship with Roma's current manager, Gian Piero Gasperini.
The Giallorossi have targeted big names in recent windows, including Romero's compatriot Paulo Dybala, and the Friedkin Group may be tempted by the pursuit of a statement defensive addition.
5. Manchester United
This one's been doing the rounds over the past couple of days, so we've got to mention it. Outlets seized upon reports out of Spain regarding Romero's "special clause", but that detail has since been hushed by Fabrizio Romano.
Thus, the Manchester United links are probably rubbish. They've just picked a major club at random that could threaten La Liga's "big three" in their pursuit of the centre-back.
Admittedly, pairing him with Lisandro Martínez does make sense, but United are happy with Harry Maguire's resurgence and Leny Yoro's development behind him. They'll likely sign a centre-back once their midfield is taking care of, but they may prefer a left-sided specialist to operate as a cover option for Martínez, given his injury woes over the past 18 months.
I suspect United would be one of the many clubs to complete their due diligence in the event of a stunning Spurs relegation, but an active pursuit of Romero seems unlikely. The Argentine was sent off at Old Trafford in February.