Romero future to be decided after Spurs' final game, says De Zerbi

Cristian Romero's Tottenham future will be decided after the final game of the season, according to Roberto De Zerbi.

The Spurs captain's contract runs out at the end of the 2026-27 campaign, but he has been linked with a move away this summer.

Atletico Madrid are rumoured to be interested in the centre-back, with LaLiga champions Barcelona also mentioned as potential suitors.

Romero has won the second-most duels for Spurs this season across all competitions (193) and has recorded the third-most interceptions (38), despite playing just 32 games (15th-most at Spurs).

However, he has also conceded the second-most fouls (42), only fewer than Randal Kolo Muani (51), and received the most red cards (two).

Spurs have two more games this season, and one point would realistically be enough to secure their Premier League status due to their superior goal difference over West Ham.

Up next on Tuesday is a trip to London rivals Chelsea, before Spurs close out their campaign at home against Everton.

De Zerbi insisted his full focus is on Chelsea, with talks with Romero on the back burner for the time being.

"It is a good question, but it is the wrong timing," said De Zerbi. 

"First of all, now the focus is Chelsea. The second point is that Romero is a great player. 

"The most important thing is the behaviour and how much the player wants to stay in this club. We have to take a decision after this season, after the Everton game."

Tottenham have won their last two Premier League away games, last winning more consecutively between September and November 2020 (four).

But Spurs have also won just one of their last 35 away league games against Chelsea (D11 L23), a 3-1 win in April 2018 under Mauricio Pochettino.