Cristian Romero set to leave Tottenham after World Cup banner controversy
Transfer to Inter agreed — Tottenham to sell the centre‑back for €40,000,000 after backlash over the Argentinian players' banner "The Malvinas are Argentina".
Cristian Romero appears set to leave Tottenham Hotspur immediately after Argentina's World Cup semi-final controversy, with a move to Inter agreed on August 1, 2026. Reports say Tottenham have accepted a €40,000,000 offer for the centre‑back amid strong public backlash in England following the incident after the match with England.
Inter have already bolstered their defence by signing John Stones, who arrived as a free agent after his contract with Manchester City expired. According to the latest reports, the deal for Romero is now agreed and will add further options to Inter’s back three.
What Inter's defence will look like
The Serie A side typically use a three-man defence. Next season Manuel Akanji, Benjamin Pavard, Jan Bishek and Alessandro Bastoni are expected to compete with Romero and Stones for places in that system.
Romero was one of Argentina’s most reliable players en route to the World Cup final. He played the full 90 minutes in the semi-final against England and was the only defender to complete the match.
After Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 comeback victory, the Argentine players — led by Romero — unveiled a banner reading "The Malvinas are Argentina". The image triggered a major scandal on the island and prompted calls in England for bans on the returning Argentine players, many of whom play for Premier League clubs.
With the controversy still simmering and a transfer reportedly agreed, Romero looks likely to continue his club career in Italy rather than return to London.
Photo: press material from the event
