Tottenham Hotspur faces a critical Premier League clash with Everton this weekend, but one key player won’t be on the pitch. Defender Cristian Romero, the club’s captain, is set to miss the match—7,000 kilometers away in Córdoba, Argentina. Romero will instead attend the Apertura final between his former club, Belgrano, and River Plate at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes. This decision highlights the growing divide between the Argentine defender and his current team.

Is a summer exit inevitable for Romero?

Romero’s absence comes as no surprise amid ongoing transfer speculation. The Argentine defender, sidelined with a knee injury for over a month, appears poised to leave Tottenham this summer. Since joining from Atalanta in 2022, Romero has been a standout performer in defense. Rumors now point to a potential move to FC Barcelona, further signaling the end of his time at the London club.

With the Argentine defender focused on his future, Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi faces fresh questions about squad morale and leadership.