Barcelona could make a move for Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero after agreeing to let Ronald Araujo leave on loan to Liverpool, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
The Catalan club have been monitoring Romero, who is Tottenham’s captain, for some time. However, the Argentina international had not previously been regarded as a priority target for Barcelona.
That position may now change following the decision involving Araujo. Barcelona have agreed to allow the Uruguay defender to depart, with Liverpool set to take him on loan. The move could leave the club considering whether to strengthen their central-defensive options before the transfer window closes.
Romano says Barcelona have a realistic chance of persuading Romero to join them. The defender is also the subject of strong interest from Atletico Madrid, who are actively working on a potential deal for the Argentina international.
Despite that interest, Atletico have yet to reach an agreement with Romero. No transfer has been completed, and the player’s future remains unresolved.
It is not yet known whether Barcelona intend to sign another central defender after parting company with Araujo. The situation is expected to become clearer soon as the club assesses its options and decides whether Romero should become a priority.
Romero would reportedly be interested in joining the side managed by Hans-Dieter Flick. His willingness to move to Barcelona could therefore become an important factor if the Spanish club decides to pursue the Tottenham captain.
For now, Barcelona’s interest remains dependent on their plans following Araujo’s loan move to Liverpool. Romero is not yet a Barcelona player, while Atletico Madrid continue to work on their own attempt to sign him.
The situation has developed after a period in which Barcelona had kept Romero under observation without placing him at the top of their defensive shortlist. Araujo’s departure, however, may have altered the club’s priorities and increased the possibility of a formal approach for Tottenham’s centre-back.
Any move would also have to overcome Atletico’s interest, with the Madrid club already actively pursuing the Argentine. But because they have not reached an agreement with Romero, Barcelona still have an opportunity to enter the race.
The coming period should establish whether Barcelona decide that Araujo’s departure requires a replacement and whether Romero becomes the leading candidate. For the moment, Romano’s assessment is that Barcelona have a strong chance of attracting him, although the final decision on a transfer has not been made.
