Barcelona have returned to the possibility of signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero after agreeing a season-long loan for Ronald Araujo with Liverpool.
The Catalan club are understood to have reached a verbal agreement with Liverpool for the Uruguay international, with the deal including an option for the English club to make the transfer permanent. Araujo’s departure was not part of Barcelona’s main plans before developments in recent hours, but the proposed move has forced the club to reassess its options in defence.
Sport reports that Romero, 28, has long been admired at Barcelona. The Argentina international is regarded as possessing several of the qualities the club are seeking, including physical strength, leadership and the ability to defend with a high line while remaining composed under pressure.
Romero had already featured on Barcelona’s list of potential targets, although the idea had previously remained at the discussion and recommendation stage. Araujo’s expected exit has given the possibility greater urgency, with sporting director Deco now examining whether the interest can be turned into a formal transfer.
The defender is reportedly open to leaving Tottenham Hotspur, while the Premier League club are prepared to consider offers for him.
However, Barcelona face competition from Atletico de Madrid, who are currently viewed as the strongest rival for Romero’s signature. Atletico have followed the player for a considerable period and renewed their interest during the current transfer window after an earlier attempt to sign him failed because of Tottenham’s high financial demands.
The Madrid club have made progress in recent weeks, particularly in their discussions with the player. Reports indicate that Atletico have also entered direct negotiations with Tottenham after reaching an initial understanding with Romero over personal terms.
A move to Atletico had appeared the most likely outcome, but Barcelona’s renewed involvement could change the balance of the race.
Barcelona believe Romero’s experience at the highest level, combined with his imposing style and leadership, would make him a suitable partner for the club’s younger defenders, including Pau Cubarsi. The financial aspect remains the main obstacle for Barcelona, which previously saw a loan arrangement as a more realistic option than meeting the cost of a permanent transfer.
Romero is not the only centre-back being considered. Barcelona continue to assess other possibilities, including Spain international Emeric Laporte.
The Athletic Club defender offers a different profile because he is left-footed, a characteristic considered important by the sporting department. His performances at the World Cup, where he formed a defensive partnership with Cubarsi, also increased Barcelona’s interest in him.
Laporte returned to Athletic Club from Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr last summer and is under contract with the Basque club until 2028.
Despite Deco’s desire to explore the market following Araujo’s expected departure, Barcelona still have several options in their existing squad. That is one reason manager Hansi Flick remains uncertain about whether a new defender is essential.
Cubarsi is currently the leading figure in Barcelona’s defence, while Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin and Alvaro Cortes can also operate at centre-back depending on the team’s needs.
Flick is known for trusting young players and giving opportunities to solutions already available within his squad. As a result, the signing of a new centre-back has not yet become a settled decision.
Araujo’s move has nevertheless reopened the market for Barcelona. Liverpool are expected to cover the defender’s entire salary during the loan, giving the Catalan club additional room in their wage bill.
With those financial and sporting factors now being reconsidered, Romero has once again moved high on Barcelona’s list of targets. Their stronger involvement could yet transform a transfer race that had appeared to be moving in Atletico de Madrid’s favour.
During the source report, a separate promotional headline also appeared: “Rodri’s agent ends Real Madrid and Barcelona debate: the player chose this club.”
