Tottenham Hotspur are proactively going about signing a Cristian Romero replacement this summer, with the Argentine defender expected to move on after the World Cup.
Romero was instrumental in our Europa League success last year and subsequently named club captain as the Thomas Frank era got underway. However, instead of relishing the responsibility, as he'd previously done, Romero allowed old habits to resurface amid a dire campaign for the Lilywhites. Availability became an issue.
He trudged off in tears against Sunderland in April, having suffered a knee injury that would end his season. However, Romero was back in action for Argentina less than a week out from the start of the World Cup.
While his market is currently rather tame after a disappointing season, a strong campaign in North America should facilitate an upsurge in interest. Spurs will be waiting on one of La Liga's big three.
Spurs to bid again for Jan Paul van Hecke
Pre-empting Romero's departure, Spurs are willing to spend big to appease Roberto De Zerbi. The club will soon confirm the arrival of Marcos Senesi as a free agent, but the Italian is aiming to revolutionise his team's build-up play.
De Zerbi loved working with Jan Paul van Hecke at Brighton & Hove Albion, and the Dutch defender has emerged as Spurs' priority target to replace Romero. However, the Seagulls have so far proven stubborn. Despite Van Hecke having just a year left on his contract, they value him at £70m. Extortionate, given the context.
Spurs have so far failed with two bids, but reports suggest that they remain undeterred. According to Alasdair Gold (via Spurs Connect on X), we haven't given up our pursuit of Brighton's centre-back.
Joost Blaauwhof understands that personal terms have been agreed with the player, and Tottenham insider @szyexcl wrote on Sunday evening that a deal is in its final stages. It may take a bid worth up to £50m to get a deal over the line.
That's quite the fee for a defender with a year left on his deal, but Spurs are paying a Premier League premium. Van Hecke is impressively well-rounded and particularly proficient in possession. Having seen the club attempt to wrap up deals for players we were linked with pre-De Zerbi, our new manager's fingerprints are all over this deal. The Italian is a big fan.
In addition, agent Micky van de Ven has been throwing his weight around the Dutch camp, tempting his compatriot. "I think that it is a good move for him," our No. 37 said.
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