Tottenham Hotspur have secured a verbal agreement for Argentine defender Cristian Romero to join Inter Milan, yet the transfer hinges on French full‑back Benjamin Pavard finding a new club.
Why is Pavard the missing piece?
Pavard spent last season on loan at Marseille, who declined to sign him permanently. Reports suggest he has turned down offers from Benfica, Como and Galatasaray, while Saudi clubs Al‑Ittihad and Al‑Hilal have shown interest. Inter reportedly offered Pavard to Al‑Ittihad, hoping his departure will free the £30 million fee plus £4 million in bonuses Tottenham expect from Romero’s sale. Pavard’s move could also trigger a swap that brings Moussa Diaby to London, but only if the Frenchman agrees to the Saudi deal.
How does Romero’s deal shape Spurs’ finances?
Romero is said to accept a pay cut, dropping his annual wages from roughly £5.14 million to £4.71 million. The transfer would also save Tottenham about £11 million in amortisation and gross salary, easing the club’s wage bill after a costly summer that already saw John Stones arrive for a record fee. Romero’s departure would free up space for new signings, though the club must still balance its books after a season that left them 17th in the Premier League with 41 points, 10 wins, 11 draws and 17 losses.
What does this mean for Tottenham’s on‑field outlook?
Inter have already bolstered their back line with Alessandro Bastoni, Carlos Augusto, Federico Dimarco, Manuel Akanji and Yann Bisseck, describing their defence as "overabundant" even before Romero’s arrival. For Tottenham, losing a centre‑back who has already informed manager Roberto De Zerbi of his intent to leave could weaken a squad that conceded 57 goals this season, a -9 goal difference. The club remains 44 points behind league leaders Arsenal, and with Wilson Odobert currently sidelined, depth at full‑back becomes even more critical.
When can fans expect an official announcement?
Both clubs appear to be waiting for Pavard’s situation to resolve before confirming Romero’s move. Inter’s interest in Diaby suggests a possible package deal, but any delay hinges on the Frenchman’s willingness to join Al‑Ittihad. Tottenham’s fans should watch for updates as the summer window closes, knowing that the club’s transfer strategy aims to rebuild a defence that struggled to keep clean sheets in a campaign that saw 48 goals scored and 57 conceded.
Current context for the upcoming season
Tottenham Hotspur finished the 2025 campaign in 17th place with 41 points, recording 10 wins, 11 draws and 17 losses, and a recent form of W‑L‑D‑W‑W. They sit 44 points behind Arsenal at the top of the table, while winger Wilson Odobert remains sidelined. These figures underscore the urgency behind the club’s transfer activity as they aim to avoid another relegation battle.
