£47 million centre-back Cristian Romero has told Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano he “only wanted” Tottenham Hotspur despite reported interest from rivals Liverpool this summer.
While Spurs are in danger of losing their greatest goalscorer, at least Fabio Paratici appears to have found a solution to the club’s problems at the other end of the pitch.
Cristian Romero was named Serie A’s defender of the year last season for a reason.
Quick, commanding and excellent with the ball at his feet, the Argentina international was a revelation at the heart of Atalanta’s back line. And that’s no mean feat given Gian Piero Gasperini’s commitment to an ‘attack is the best form of defence’ approach to the Beautiful Game.
Why didn’t Liverpool go all-out for Cristian Romero?
Having already agreed a four-year, £45,000-a-week contract, Romero completed his Tottenham medical yesterday and should now become the club’s second-most expensive signing in a deal worth almost £50 million (Sky Sports).
Interestingly, it was Liverpool who first made a move for Romero a month ago, according to Sky Italia.
But, just a few weeks later, it became clear north London would be his destination as the Copa America winner reunited with former Juventus director Fabio Paratici in N17.
Paratici, after all, was key to the deal that saw Romero swap Genoa for Turin two years ago before the commanding centre-half made his name in Bergamo instead.
“I only wanted Spurs because I really like this project,” Romero explains.
“Paratici and the whole club wanted me and I’ll give my best. Premier League is the best way to continue my career.”
Why Liverpool failed to step up their interest in Romero is anyone’s guess.
Perhaps £47 million was just too much for a club that has looked to keep its powder dry since the pandemic began?
Perhaps Jurgen Klopp felt a new centre-half was no longer required with Virgil van Dijk returning to action after almost a year on the sidelines?
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