Tottenham have noticed player behaving like Cristian Romero and are afraid he’ll follow him to Atletico Madrid
Tottenham have noticed player behaving like Cristian Romero and are afraid he’ll follow him to Atletico Madrid.
Tottenham Hotspur are facing growing concerns within the club over the future of one of their key midfield players, with fears that he may be tempted to follow Cristian Romero to Atletico Madrid this summer. As the season winds down, internal discussions have intensified following subtle behavioral changes noticed in training and around the squad — changes that mirror those seen in Romero before he made a big decision of his own.
Romero, a defensive mainstay under Ange Postecoglou, has reportedly agreed to join Atletico Madrid at the end of the current campaign. The Argentine centre-back, known for his aggressive, high-tempo defending, had been attracting interest from Diego Simeone’s side for months. Tottenham were reluctant to part ways with him, but it’s understood the player made up his mind and quietly reached an agreement to begin a new chapter in La Liga.
The situation has now raised alarms at Hotspur Way, particularly as another top performer has started to show similar signs of mental detachment. According to club insiders, the player remains professional and committed on the pitch, but off it, he has been noticeably quieter, more reserved, and less engaged in group activities and team bonding — just as Romero was in the months leading to his decision.
That player is Rodrigo Bentancur.
The Uruguayan midfielder, who arrived from Juventus in January 2022, has been a standout performer for Tottenham when fit. His composure on the ball, ability to dictate tempo, and tactical intelligence make him a crucial figure in Postecoglou’s midfield setup. However, with Atletico Madrid reportedly keeping tabs on him as part of a planned summer midfield overhaul, Spurs now fear he may be the next high-profile exit.
“There’s a shift in his demeanor, and people have noticed,” one club source said. “He hasn’t said anything directly, but the signs are similar to what we saw with Romero. It’s hard to ignore.”
Atletico see Bentancur as the perfect complement to their intense, physical midfield style. His experience in both Serie A and the Premier League, combined with his work rate and discipline, fits the mold Simeone traditionally favors. The fact that Romero will already be joining the Spanish club only adds to the likelihood that Bentancur might be drawn to a familiar environment.
Tottenham, for their part, have not received any formal offers yet and remain hopeful of keeping the midfielder. Postecoglou is known to admire Bentancur deeply and sees him as a cornerstone in his vision for the club’s future. However, the growing influence of Atletico Madrid — and their ability to attract top South American talent — makes this a delicate situation.
Should Spurs lose both Romero and Bentancur in the same window, it would mark a significant shift in the team’s core. While replacements would undoubtedly be sought, the bond and understanding these two players brought to the squad would be difficult to replicate.
As summer approaches, all eyes will be on Bentancur — not just for what he does on the pitch, but for what decision he may make off it.