Tottenham Hotspur’s woes are well-documented at this stage, and all eyes are on what club owners ENIC decide to do next. The situation with Igor Tudor feels very much up in the air, and there is, of course, the dramatic backdrop to everything, namely, can Spurs find a way to avoid the drop?!
It now emerges that Cristian Romero has been the subject of numerous rumours, with reports suggesting he was linked to a guaranteed move if a release clause of around £60 million were met. The key club named in these unsubstantiated reports was Real Madrid.
It is fair to say that Cristian “Cuti” Romero has been a key centre-back for Tottenham Hotspur since joining on loan from Atalanta in 2021 (permanent deal in 2022 for around £42m). He’s established himself as one of the Premier League’s more aggressive and ball-playing defenders, though his time at the club has featured strong performances mixed with injuries, disciplinary issues, and occasional off-field drama.
Overall, Romero has been a high-impact but high-maintenance signing—world-class on his day and a leader who delivers in Europe/internationals, but hampered by fitness and discipline. In 2025/26, his goal-scoring form has been a bonus amid Tottenham’s campaigns in the PL and Champions League. Fans value his commitment (he has expressed happiness and commitment to the club, signing until 2029), while acknowledging the “Cuti chaos” factor that can swing games either way. His legacy at Spurs will likely hinge on whether the team can build sustained success around his defensive core.
It now emerges that Fabrizio Romano understands that this information wasn’t far off the mark, and that, in fact, there was a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between the World Cup winner and former CEO, Daniel Levy.
🚨 Understand there are no written release clauses into Cuti Romero’s contract.
There was a gentlemen pact with Spurs to let him go to Spanish clubs in case of good proposals, but never fixed at €60m and not in paper.
…and it was with Daniel Levy, who’s no longer at the club.… pic.twitter.com/xdeDSWI6Rx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 26, 2026
Our view
Surely it is long overdue that this ‘gentlemen’s agreement twaddle is consigned to the dustbin in football’s tales. They are only ever wheeled out when something preposterous needs to be covered up.
