For weeks, it seemed like Tottenham would have to resign themselves to Cristian Romero's departure, because after he publicly stated his desire to join a club in LaLiga, Atletico Madrid appeared to accelerate their interest in Tottenham's vice captain.
It was reported that Romero's chances of staying with Spurs could increase if Ange Postecoglou were to be retained, but now that Postecoglou has been dismissed as Tottenham manager, the positive momentum built through the successful Europa League campaign has dissipated.
With the jubilation of the Europa League triumph and Romero's crucial performances in getting to that point, including a massive one in the final against Manchester United, it seemed like Romero would be staying with Tottenham. Spurs were apparently driving too hard of a bargain for Atletico Madrid, Romero seemed so happy, Champions League football would be on the way, and big-time accolades and recognition were rolling in for the Argentinian international.
Now, though, it would be an upset if Tottenham were to hold onto the 26-year-old center back, and whlie nothing certain has been done, the tea leaves seem to be pointing in the direction of a Romero exit this summer.
Tottenham are after another top Serie A center back
Just days after Postecoglou's firing, Romero has been quiet while Spurs are already being linked to replacements. RMC Sport's Fabrice Hawkins reports that Tottenham have made an inquiry to Roma about their center back Evan N'Dicka, via The Spurs Express.
N'Dicka is, per the report, valued at 40 million euros, which is a sum Tottenham are unlikely to make without selling Romero first. And with links to Jarrad Branthwaite ramping up, too, it seems like Tottenham are preparing for the strong possiility of Romero leaving by coming up with a shortlist of notable candidates to fill his shoes as starters next to Micky van de Ven.
A lot of the targets linked to Spurs at center back are, like Romero, from Serie A. N'Dicka was one of the most touted defenders in the Bundesliga for Eintracht Frankfurt for years before the Frenchman moved to Roma, where he has been comfortably one of the better defenders in Italian football.
While N'Dicka is good enough to start for Spurs, he isn't as good as Romero, and he may not be seen as an adequate replacement for the Argentinian. The interest in N'Dicka doesn't necessarily mean that Romero is doomed to go, but taken in context with Postecoglou's dismissal, it seems eerily like Tottenham are waiting for the other shoe to drop with a player who had a close relationship with his now former manager.